The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a significant deficit to triumph over the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 125-114 during Sunday’s NBA action. Despite being outperformed in the initial three quarters, the Clippers, fueled by Kawhi Leonard’s 21 points, including 14 in the last five minutes, launched a staggering 22-0 closing run, overturning an 18-point shortfall.
“It was like a party,” Clippers star James Harden said. “The energy was on hundred. That right there is home-court advantage.”
The game began unfavorably for the Clippers, who quickly fell behind 16-0. However, they steadily narrowed the gap, exemplifying the tenacity of their play. James Harden, contributing 24 points and 10 assists, reflected on the team’s grit, emphasizing their strong finish as quintessential ‘Clipper basketball.’
“They came out and punched us in the mouth, and in that fourth quarter, we played Clipper basketball, got some stops, and the rest is history,” Harden said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Leonard’s pivotal basket, giving the Clippers their first lead with just 2:50 left on the clock, was a highlight of their comeback. The game concluded with Leonard’s corner three-pointer, marking their 10th victory in 12 games. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue lauded Leonard’s performance, especially considering his recent illness and lack of practice.
“He finally caught his rhythm,” Lue said. “He’d been under the weather and wasn’t able to practice yesterday, and we didn’t know if he was going to be able to go today.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Russell Westbrook’s 23 points off the bench were instrumental in revitalizing the Clippers, while Leonard and Paul George, despite initial struggles, played crucial roles in the turnaround. George acknowledged the uniqueness of the game, stressing the team’s unyielding competitive spirit.
“That was first of a kind, with a slow start and then get red-hot at the end,” George said. “We’re going to always compete to the very end. Great thing about this group is we don’t ever believe that we’re down and out of it.”
The Nets, led by Mikal Bridges with 26 points, faced challenges in maintaining their initial momentum. Bridges lamented the team’s inability to sustain their performance across the entire game.
“Just got to be better for the whole 48,” Bridges said. “Definitely not fun.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Nets’ shooting, particularly from the three-point range, faltered during the Clippers’ surge, contributing to their scoring only 15 points in the fourth quarter.
The Clippers, recovering from a sluggish start attributable to a five-day break and an early game, initially struggled but responded with a strong 18-2 run to even the score in the first half. Their determination was further highlighted by an incident involving Nic Claxton, who, using a mop handle, dislodged a ball stuck behind the backboard, an effort that earned him Leonard’s appreciation.
Looking ahead, the Nets are set to host the New York Knicks, while the Clippers will face the Los Angeles Lakers, both games scheduled for Tuesday night.
