OKLAHOMA CITY — Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 109-94 on Tuesday night.
Montrezl Harrell and former Thunder player Paul George each added 16 points for the Clippers, who won their fifth straight. George received a warm reception from Oklahoma City’s fans. The Thunder traded him last summer.
Dennis Schroder scored 24 points and former Clippers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari each scored 15 for the Thunder, who lost their second straight. The 15-point margin matched Oklahoma City’s worst home loss of the season.
The Clippers finished the second quarter strong and led 59-47 at halftime. Leonard led Los Angeles with 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting while Schroder scored 13 points in the first half for the Thunder.
The Clippers continued to roll and led 89-70 after the third period. George scored eight points in the third quarter after a quiet first half.
Los Angeles held a comfortable lead throughout the fourth quarter.
TIP-INS
Clippers: George had a kid-friendly fishing dock dedicated on Monday at South Lakes Park in Oklahoma City. George is an avid fisherman. … Shot 63.6% in the first quarter to lead 38-27. … F/C Harrell limped off the court in the third quarter with a left leg injury. … Former Thunder G Reggie Jackson scored seven points on 3-for-8 shooting. He was booed during pregame introductions.
Thunder: Paul was called for a technical foul in the first quarter. … Made just 4 of 9 free throws in the first half. … Failed to score 100 points for the second straight game. It is only the second time this season Oklahoma City has gone back-to back games without reaching the century mark. The other time was the first two games of the season.
UP NEXT
Clippers: Visit the Houston Rockets on Thursday.
Thunder: Visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
[relatedlinks]
