In a thrilling finish, the LA Clippers edged out the Indiana Pacers 114-113, thanks to Kawhi Leonard's clutch game-winning shot. With just 3.0 seconds on the clock, Leonard received the inbound pass and nailed a mid-range jumper over Aaron Nesmith, sealing the victory. Interestingly, Leonard revealed that the play almost went to Darius Garland, who had been making a strong case for the ball with an impressive performance.
During his post-game interview, Leonard shared a glimpse into his decision-making process. "We might have to give [Darius Garland] the ball," he considered, before ultimately deciding, "nah, I got it, I got it.
I’m trying to be a good teammate." Leonard's confidence paid off, as his shot found the net, adding another memorable moment to his illustrious career.
Garland was a standout, leading the Clippers with 30 points on 10-for-19 shooting, including a remarkable six three-pointers. Leonard contributed significantly with 28 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, while Brook Lopez chipped in with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
This victory marks the Clippers' fourth consecutive win, strengthening their position in the Western Conference standings. They now hold a 1.5-game lead over the Portland Blazers for the eighth-best record, sitting at 38-36.
Reflecting on the team's journey, Leonard expressed his admiration for his teammates after a commanding 129-96 victory against the Bucks. The Clippers have turned their season around dramatically from a 6-21 start, now fiercely competing for playoff positioning as the 2025-26 season winds down.
"This group likes to play basketball," Leonard remarked about his leadership role. "They love to have fun out there and compete.
And we're not scared of nobody. Even if they're more talented or the record's better, we still want to go out and compete and try to have pride in playing and being competitive out there."
“We might have to give [Darius Garland] the ball… Then I was like, nah, I got it, I got it. I’m trying to be a good teammate… But I told him Imma just shoot that sh*t as high as I can… Ended up shooting it, and it went in."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 28, 2026
Kawhi Leonard on his game-winner against the Pacers… https://t.co/Jzdu9efSFr pic.twitter.com/68FXMIWDMo
Next up, the Clippers will face the Bucks on the road this Sunday, looking to continue their impressive run.