INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The Los Angeles Clippers made a bold statement to the Western Conference on Monday night, cruising past the Milwaukee Bucks 129-96 at the Intuit Dome. This dominant display was a team effort that effectively sealed the game before the fourth quarter even began.
Leading the charge was Kawhi Leonard, who tallied 28 points on 8-of-18 shooting in just 25 minutes. He extended his franchise record with his 48th consecutive game scoring at least 20 points and set a personal milestone with 149 three-pointers in a single season. The fact that Leonard didn’t need to step on the court in the fourth quarter speaks volumes about the Clippers' control over the game.
Brook Lopez chipped in with 19 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-9 from the field and hitting 5-of-6 from deep against his former team. Darius Garland added 15 points and six assists, pushing the Clippers to a balanced 36-36 record with 10 games remaining in the regular season.
Leonard Overcomes a Slow Start
Leonard had a sluggish start, missing six of his first seven shots and all four initial three-point attempts. But once he found his groove midway through the second quarter, he was unstoppable.
Scoring 22 of his 28 points in the first half, Leonard also hit all nine of his free throws and contributed five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. His ability to quickly switch gears is a testament to why the Clippers are still contenders in the play-in race after a rough 6-21 start to the season.
The Bench Provides a Boost
The victory was even more remarkable given the contributions from the Clippers' bench, especially with Bennedict Mathurin and John Collins out of action. Kobe Sanders stepped up with 19 points off the bench, including 11 in the first half, helping to establish a commanding 24-point lead at halftime. Jordan Miller also made an impact with 10 points and four assists, showcasing the depth that has become a hallmark of this team.
The Clippers shot a sizzling 58 percent from the field, drained 17 of their 38 three-point attempts, and were flawless from the free-throw line, going 18-for-18. This well-rounded performance was key to their 33-point victory.
Lue’s Balanced Perspective
Head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the team’s recent surge in three-point shooting but cautioned against relying too heavily on the long ball. "If teams are going to double-team Kawhi, then we should get open 3's or if teams going to double-team Brook," Lue noted.
"We know how we should play. It’s got to be more about how we play than just jacking up 3's.
I don’t think we’re that type of team. Not right now."
The Bucks, missing Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a hyperextended left knee, struggled mightily. Gary Trent Jr. led Milwaukee with 20 points off the bench, but the Clippers forced 23 turnovers and led by as much as 46 in the third quarter, effectively ending the contest early.
With the Clippers holding the eighth spot in the West and Portland nipping at their heels, every win is crucial. Monday night’s comprehensive performance was exactly the kind of effort they need as they head into a stretch where seven of their final 11 games are at home.