Leonard scores 32, Clippers beat Thunder without George
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, shoots as LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points, making 13 of 15 field goals, and the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-105 on Thursday night in their first game since losing Paul George to a knee injury.
George sprained his right knee in the closing minutes of a 101-100 loss to the Thunder two nights earlier. He’ll be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, likely keeping him out of the remainder of the regular season which ends April 9.
The Clippers closed the third quarter with a 27-12 run, including 10 in a row, to lead 92-80 going into the fourth.
They made seven consecutive 3-pointers over the end of the third and start of the fourth, with Nicolas Batum and Bones Hyland hitting three each. Leonard had the other trey in pushing the Clippers' lead to 101-85.
The Clippers kept it up, sinking another three 3-pointers in a row, capped by one from Russell Westbrook that extended their lead to 114-89. They outscored the Thunder 35-25 in the fourth.
Los Angeles shot 49% from 3-point range, with Batum and Hyland making four each.
Westbrook added 24 points and seven assists for the Clippers.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams, center, dunks as LA Clippers guard Eric Gordon, left, and center Ivica Zubac defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points. Josh Giddey added 18 and Jalen Williams had 16.
Led by Hyland's 16 points, the Clippers' bench outscored the Thunder's reserves, 51-30.
TIP-INS
Thunder: Outscored the Clippers 46-38 in the paint.
LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go after a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
Clippers: Westbrook scored 12 points in the second quarter. ... Eric Gordon joined the starting lineup in place of George. ... Beat the Thunder for the first time in three games this season.
UP NEXT
Thunder: Stay in Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Saturday to finish a back-to-back.
Clippers: Host New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
