Leonard scores 45 points with 20 in the final quarter! Clippers secure 6th straight win over Jazz, Harden posts 20+7, Lee Kyle adds 22+8

On January 2nd Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Clippers beating the Jazz 118-101 at home, marking their sixth straight win. Leonard totaled 45 points and 7 rebounds, scoring 20 points in the last quarter. Harden’s outside shooting was off, making just 1 of 6 three-point attempts, while contributing 20 points and 7 assists. The Clippers led by up to 21 points; the Jazz briefly regained the lead, but the Clippers exploded in the fourth quarter with Leonard hitting multiple threes, ultimately winning on their home court. The Jazz were missing 9 players in this game, while Lee Kyle came off the bench with a strong performance, shooting 8 of 10 for 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, setting season highs in points, rebounds, and blocks.

Statistics

Jazz: Lee Kyle 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks; Williams 18 points; Sensaabo 20 points; Collier 16 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists; Sanders 10 points; Clayton 9 points

Clippers: Leonard 45 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks; Harden 20 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists; Collins 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals; Batum 14 points; Little Jones 10 points, 6 rebounds; Niedhauser 6 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks

Player of the Game

Leonard was in great form, especially his explosive performance in the final quarter helped the Clippers secure the win.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, the Clippers started perfectly. Harden scored 7 points through shots and free throws, Collins added a put-back, and Leonard threw down a dunk, leading the Clippers to an 11-0 run forcing a Jazz timeout. After the break, Leonard hit a three, Harden scored on a layup, extending the score to 16-0, prompting another Jazz timeout. Williams dunked to end the Jazz’s 5-minute scoring drought. Collier hit a three, Sensaabo dunked, cutting the deficit to 11. Little Jones and Niedhauser scored consecutively, Harden made a mid-range jumper, and the Clippers went on a 10-0 run, leading by 21 points. Lee Kyle completed a three-point play and followed with a mid-range jumper, the Jazz responded with a 10-3 run. The first quarter ended with the Clippers leading 31-17, Harden scored 11 points in the quarter.

In the second quarter, Mikailuk scored on a layup, Lee Kyle dunked, Clayton hit a three, and Leonard was on fire scoring 9 straight points. The Clippers maintained a double-digit lead. Williams repeatedly went to the free-throw line, Lee Kyle dunked again, and the Jazz cut the gap to 4 points. Batum hit a three, Filipovski scored inside, Lee Kyle added 4 more points, and Collier made a mid-range jumper. At halftime, the Clippers led 53-50. Two Clippers players scored in double figures: Leonard with 20 points and 5 rebounds, Harden with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Jazz also had two players in double digits, both coming off the bench: Lee Kyle scored 16 points on 7 of 8 shooting with 8 rebounds, and Williams had 12 points.

After the break, Hendricks dunked. Collins scored on a put-back, Lopez hit a three, Collier completed a three-point play, and Mikailuk made a three-pointer. Leonard was assessed a level one flagrant foul on defense. Sensaabo made two of three free throws, and the Jazz took the lead. Harden made one of two free throws, Leonard scored a three-point play, and Sensaabo again made two of three free throws. Hendricks and Williams hit three-pointers, Batum responded from outside. Sensaabo was outstanding, scoring 10 consecutive points. Little Jones and Niedhauser scored in succession, Harden added 5 points in a row, and Niedhauser made a put-back. The third quarter ended with the Clippers leading 82-81 over the Jazz.

In the final quarter, Sanders scored on a mid-range jumper, Filipovski made a layup. Leonard and Batum hit consecutive three-pointers, giving the Clippers a 5-point lead. Williams and Sanders exchanged threes, Collier scored 6 straight points, Leonard then hit two more threes in a row, Little Jones also made a three-pointer, and Leonard scored 11 more points, putting the game out of reach. The Clippers ultimately won at home against the Jazz, extending their winning streak to six games.

Starting Lineups

Jazz: Collier, Sensaabo, Mikailuk, Hendricks, Filipovski

Clippers: Harden, Dunn, Leonard, Collins, Lopez