INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Clippers win a thriller as Kawhi Leonard knocks down the game-winning shot at the buzzer knocking off the Kings 111-110 on Sunday night. This was the third straight win for Los Angeles. The Clippers are now 35-29 after the win and looking to continue to pick up wins to improve their seeding in the Western Conference. They hit the road next week starting off with a matchup on Tuesday night in New Orleans against the Pelicans.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the Kings:
Leonard helps dethrone the Kings
Big time players make big time plays!
Kawhi Leonard, who struggled most of the night with his shot shooting just 7-for-19 on the night stepped up when it mattered most.
With the Clippers down one-point with the finally possessions of the game for either team. Leonard caught the ball at the top of the key, drove to the basket, spun going left and finished over multiple defenders to make the game-winning basket at the buzzer for Los Angeles.
It was very impressive especially with Leonard using his left hand to get the job done.
Assistant coach Brian Shaw, who was coaching in the place of coach Tyronn Lue decided to run the play for Leonard even though James Harden had a big game. Showing confidence in the two-time champion and he got it done.
Leonard scored 17 points in the win.
Eight straight double-doubles for Zubac
Ivica Zubac has been the most consistent player for the Clippers as of late.
In last night’s win he recorded his 8th straight double-double taking advantage of the Kings missing their star big man, Domantas Sabonis.
Zubac had a very efficient night by shooting 9-for-14 finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds.
The Clippers have been able to play through him in spurts as of late giving them a great weapon inside the paint.
He allows Leonard and Harden to rest on positions while he cooks inside.
Let’s see how long Zubac can keep this streak going.
Harden nearly earns triple double
Zubac and Leonard were great on the night and were needed to win in the overtime thriller but the best player for the Clippers on this night was James Harden.
Harden was the key reason why Los Angeles was able to come back after going down 97-90 late in the fourth quarter.
His shot making and playmaking put the Clippers in a great spot to keep the game in reach.
He once again filled the stat sheet nearing earning another triple double as he finished the game with a team-leading 29 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.
It was shocking to not see the ball in his hands to decide the game but kudos to him for not making a fuss about the ball going in Leonard’s hands.
His play and leadership skills has the Clippers in a good spot at the moment as they look to move up the Western Conference standings.