INGLEWOOD, Calif. - - — Kawhi Leonard scores 29 points in three quarters to help the Los Angeles Clippers blowout the Indiana Pacers 130-107 in guard Darius Garland’s home opener on Wednesday night.
Leonard had it going from the tipoff, scoring 12 points in the first quarter alone. The 14-year pro shot 10-18 from the field including knocking down three of seven threes. He didn’t miss at the charity stripe going six for six.
With the win, the Clippers now sit a game behind the Golden State Warriors for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
This night saw point guard Garland playing his first game in front of the Clippers’ home crowd. He finished with 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes played.
The former Cleveland Cavalier came off the bench for the second straight game for Los Angeles. His playmaking and ability to get to his spots on the floor has been a positive addition for the Clippers.
“I thought he did good. We have to get the ball in his hands more,” coach Tyronn Lue said of Garland’s play. “We have to get him up to speed with his rhythm and timing but overall I thought he was pretty good.”
Forward Benedict Mathurin put together yet another solid performance adding 23 points off the bench in the win for the Clippers. Los Angeles’ bench outscored Indiana’s bench 58-34.
"My teammates have embraced me a lot. I wouldn't trade that for anything,” Mathurin said. “I’m super happy that I'm in LA and can show people who I am."
Mathurin was playing his former team as he along with Isaiah Jackson, a 2026 1st Rd Pick (protected 1-4 and 10-30), a 2029 1st Rd Pick (unprotected) and one 2nd Rd Pick was traded for center Ivica Zubac and forward Kobe Brown on February 5th.
Former Clipper Zubac received a standing ovation from Clipper Nation as the Clippers’ played a tribute video in his return. He didn’t suit up in tonight’s game as he deals with an ankle injury.
Brook Lopez has replaced Zubac in the starting lineup since the trade and chipped in 17 points in tonight’s win.
In a game the Clippers dominated most of the night, the only negative occurred when talented rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhäuser went down with a serious ankle injury in the second quarter. The team will share further updates tomorrow.
Los Angeles has now won three straight games and will look to continue to move up the standings as they head on the road for back-to-back matchups against the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies.