Clippers close 2025 with a statement win over the Kings at Intuit Dome

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers didn’t just win Tuesday night — they made a point.

Behind another dominant performance from Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers steamrolled the Sacramento Kings 131–90 in front of 17,927 fans at Intuit Dome, closing out the 2025 calendar year with their most complete showing of the season. The 41-point blowout marked the Clippers’ fifth straight win and continued a stretch that’s beginning to define who this team really is.

Leonard, coming off a career-high 55-point eruption on Sunday, wasted no time reminding everyone he’s playing some of the best basketball in the league. He poured in 26 points in the first half alone and finished the night with 33 points, five rebounds, and five assists — all while making it look routine. Over his last five games, Leonard has been nothing short of unstoppable, averaging elite scoring while impacting every part of the floor. The Clippers are undefeated during that span, and it’s no coincidence.

This one, however, wasn’t just about Kawhi.

The Clippers controlled every facet of the game from the opening tip, jumping out early and never letting Sacramento find any rhythm. Los Angeles held the Kings to just 40 points in the first half, forced 19 turnovers, and turned defense into offense all night long. The Clippers recorded 13 steals — compared to just one for Sacramento — and committed only five turnovers themselves. That imbalance told the story.

Head coach Tyronn Lue has emphasized defense, effort, and smart basketball in recent weeks, and Tuesday night looked like a blueprint of his vision. After the win, Lue summed up the moment simply: “I’m happy and proud of the way they responded.” The response has been loud over the last five games.

James Harden chipped in 21 points in just 30 minutes, even on an off night from three-point range. The Clippers still managed to shoot 36.8% from deep and held the Kings to 33.3%. John Collins, making the start after missing Sunday’s game, added 16 points and five rebounds, while Kris Dunn contributed 10 points in 21 energetic minutes.

One of the night’s most encouraging performances came from young standout Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who delivered a career-high 16 points on 75% shooting to go along with six rebounds. In a game that allowed Lue to dig into his bench, Niederhauser looked comfortable, confident, and ready for a bigger role moving forward.

Sacramento, meanwhile, came into the night shorthanded without Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, and it showed. The loss dropped the Kings to 8–25 on the season and 2–8 over their last 10 games, leaving them at the bottom of the Western Conference alongside the New Orleans Pelicans. While veterans Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan — both Southern California products — showed flashes, it wasn’t enough to stem the tide. Westbrook finished with 12 points in 19 minutes, while DeRozan struggled to find his shot, going 2-for-8 from the field.

The Clippers led by as many as 41 points in the second half, completely dictating pace and execution. Fast-break opportunities, ball security, and defensive intensity were all locked in — a sign of a team starting to understand its identity.

With five straight wins in hand and momentum firmly on their side, the Clippers now turn their attention to a New Year’s Day matchup against the Utah Jazz as their homestand continues. If the last five games are any indication, the Clippers aren’t just closing the year strong — they’re setting the tone for what’s to come.