Leonard, Clippers ambush Nets to keep hold of six seed

BROOKLYN -- As the tense battle to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament continued, the Los Angeles Clippers made sure to take care of business. They handled the Nets 132-100 on Friday night at the Barclays Center to keep the sixth seed in their possession, winning their 10th of the last 12 in the process.

It was an extremely well-rounded showing from the starting unit as they weathered an early first-quarter storm from Brooklyn to stay composed and ultimately leap ahead in the second quarter. The Nets shot an impressive 48% in the opening period, going 6 of 13 from beyond the arch and going up 27-26.

Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, who shot just 8/21 in the first, found their stride in the second. They exploded for 42 in the period as Leonard caught fire and shot 6/7 in the frame. He headed into the locker room at halftime with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks as Los Angeles opened up a 68-48 lead.

The third quarter saw the shooting success continue for the Clippers as they knocked down seven more three-pointers and drew the lead out even further. Ivica Zubac, who finished the game a perfect 9-9 with 21 points and 12 rebounds, passed Swen Nater for 6th on the team's all-time rebounding list.

It was the 50th double-double of the season for Zubac, who continues to be an integral part of the offense for Tyronn Lue and the rest of the squad.

Leonard, who only needed to play 27 minutes in the blowout, finished with 31 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists as he shot 5-6 from deep. James Harden finished with 17 points and 6 assists as he was a team-high +34 in his 29 minutes.

The entire starting five for the Los Angeles finished a combined +185 as they swept the season series from Brooklyn. After winning the first game of the series 126-67 back at the Intuit Dome on January 15, they finished with a point differential of 91 over the Nets this year.

Up next for the Clippers is a stop in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon as they look to keep the road trip undefeated in a battle against the Cavaliers. Currently 59-15 and first in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland will present a tough matchup. Los Angeles will look to capitalize on their recent struggles, with the Cavs having dropped four of their last five.

Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT.