The Los Angeles Clippers secured their eighth consecutive victory dominantly, defeating the Indiana Pacers 151-127 during the NBA’s Monday slate. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard set the tone early before a late-game flurry from James Harden occurred.
The game, which initially seemed competitive, turned into a showcase of the Clippers’ offensive prowess. Leonard and George laid the foundation for the win, scoring 28 and 27 points, respectively. However, it was Harden who stole the limelight in the fourth quarter.
With the game already leaning heavily in the Clippers’ favor, Harden dazzled the audience by scoring 21 of his season-high 35 points in the final quarter, turning the game into an unassailable lead for the Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard admired Harden’s performance, noting the enjoyment of watching his teammate’s late scoring spree. This victory marked not just another win for the Clippers but a continuation of their scintillating form, making them one of the must-watch teams in the league. Their eight-game winning streak is the franchise’s longest since the 2015-16 season.
“It was fun to watch,” Leonard said of Harden’s late surge.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers Updates
On the other side, the Indiana Pacers struggled to find their rhythm. Despite Bennedict Mathurin’s season-high 34 points and Isaiah Jackson’s 15-point contribution, the Pacers couldn’t match the Clippers’ intensity. Indiana’s defense, which has been under scrutiny, again fell short, much to the dismay of coach Rick Carlisle. The Pacers’ offensive strategy, typically robust, appeared lethargic, possibly due to the fatigue from their recent 12-day trip.
“We’ve got a huge target on our back because of wining some games in the tournament, so the Pacers aren’t sneaking up on anyone,” Carlisle said. “But our mindset, if it’s shifted to just simply trying to outscore teams and away from any kind of emphasis defensively, that’s got to stop and if it means massive lineup changes, that’s what will happen.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers Updates
Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ All-Star guard, had a notably off night, contributing just eight points and 11 assists. Carlisle expressed concerns about the team’s defensive focus and hinted at potential significant lineup changes if the current trend continues.
Playing against his first NBA team, George continued to excel, extending his average to 36 points over his last five games in Indiana. The Pacers initially led the game but lost momentum as the Clippers surged ahead with a decisive 21-6 run.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Clippers’ efficiency was epitomized by Harden, who was exceptionally accurate from the field and beyond the arc and provided nine assists in arguably his most efficient game since joining from Philadelphia. Leonard emphasized the team’s focus on performance over the score, underscoring their commitment to winning every quarter.
“We’re not trying to play the score,” Leonard said. “We’re trying to win the quarters. And even if we have 20 points, we’ve still got to do our jobs and be efficient.”
Looking ahead, the Pacers will host the Charlotte Hornets. The Clippers will set their sights on extending their winning streak in Dallas.
