The Los Angeles Clippers, guided by stellar performances from Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, secured a 126-111 win against the Chicago Bulls during Thursday’s NBA action, effectively halting a two-game losing streak. George’s precision from beyond the arc and Leonard’s overall shooting prowess ensured the Clippers maintained control despite a shrinking lead in the fourth quarter.
“We talk about the last 20 games, putting the ball back in PG’s hands so he can get used to it so when we get to the playoffs we know exactly what we want to do,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “Now, he’s just getting accustomed to running more pick-and-rolls and keeping the ball in his hands.”
George dazzled with 11 of 12 shooting, including 6 of 7 three-pointers, while also providing seven assists against the Bulls’ double teams on him and Leonard.
“It was just staying under control, playing through our teammates and I think just taking what they gave us,” he said. “I didn’t think we were out of the norm, we weren’t out of character, we kind of just played our style, slowed the game down for ourselves and took the shots that were available.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls Updates
Leonard, rebounding from back spasms that saw him exit a previous game early, made 12 of 17 shots, contributing to the Clippers’ effective field goal percentage.
Norman Powell and Bones Hyland also played crucial roles, with Powell adding 18 points and Hyland achieving a career-high 11 assists along with 17 points, showcasing the depth of the Clippers’ roster.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 21 points, with Nikola Vucevic and Alex Caruso also making significant contributions. Despite their efforts, the Bulls struggled to close the gap after the Clippers built a substantial lead in the third quarter.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls Updates
The game saw both teams missing key players due to injuries, with the Clippers’ James Harden and the Bulls’ Coby White sidelined. Nonetheless, the Clippers’ cohesive play and strategic execution brought them the victory, keeping them firmly in the playoff conversation in the Western Conference.
The Bulls look forward to having Coby White back on the court soon, as coach Billy Donovan reported positive news regarding White’s injury status, stating he is day-to-day following a recent scare.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls Updates
Looking ahead, the Clippers are set to visit New Orleans, while the Bulls will host Washington, with both teams aiming to build on their performances from Thursday’s clash.
