Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard drives to the basket in opposition to San Antonio Spurs ahead Zach Collins (23) throughout the second half of an NBA basketball recreation in San Antonio, Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. (AP Photograph/Eric Homosexual)
SAN ANTONIO — Paul George scored 28 factors, Kawhi Leonard added 21 and the Los Angeles Clippers rolled previous Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio 124-99 on Monday night time, extending the Spurs’ shedding streak to 9 video games.
James Harden added 13 factors and 10 assists as Los Angeles gained its sixth straight over San Antonio.
The Clippers gained their second straight recreation with Harden after dropping their first 5 video games with the All-Star guard within the lineup following a commerce from Philadelphia.
“The extra reps, the extra you get snug,” Harden mentioned. “The extra you attempt to perceive the place guys’ spots are on the ground and the place can I assault and get mine. As video games go by, you see us get extra snug.”
PG = Strolling Bucket 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UPgdEkjI4h
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 21, 2023
Wembanyama was held to 9 factors and three rebounds. Keldon Johnson had 22 factors and 10 rebounds to steer San Antonio, and Cedi Osman scored 17 factors.
“That’s a tremendous group that we performed tonight,” Johnson mentioned. “Praying that everyone on their roster stays wholesome, they are going to be contending, able to make some noise within the West.”
The Spurs’ shedding streak matches the fifth longest in franchise historical past.
San Antonio set the franchise file final season by dropping 23 straight and completed with the third-worst file in franchise historical past at 22-60.
The futility helped the Spurs earn the No. 1 decide, which they used to pick the brand new cornerstone of the franchise within the 7-foot-3 Wembanyama.
HARDEN ➡️ KAWHI
🗣️ AND ONE! pic.twitter.com/m4ZeCJGo7F
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 21, 2023
Leonard was as soon as the face of the Spurs, the bridge between the Massive Three period of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and the long run. That modified when Leonard demanded and was granted a commerce, getting shipped to Toronto in 2018.
Spurs followers haven’t forgotten and booed Leonard each time he touched the ball.
“It’s a completive fanbase,” Leonard mentioned. “They need to win each recreation. As soon as I come into the sport, there’s going to be boos, however strolling across the metropolis or going to eating places, they present love.”
Leonard and the Clippers gave the followers loads to jeer about Monday.
The Clippers completed with 30 assists and solely seven turnovers in handing the Spurs their sixth double-digit loss this season.
The Clippers additionally held Wembanyama to 4-for-12 capturing, together with lacking all 4 of his 3-point makes an attempt.
San Antonio suffered its second-worst lack of the season, 123-83, to the Clippers on Oct. 29. The Clippers have been on observe for the same path within the second half after a aggressive first two quarters.
“I’m completely happy with the sport,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich mentioned. “No one likes to lose, however I believed their competitiveness and their execution have been good. Towards an excellent, very proficient, very well-coached group. So, I’ll sleep nicely. We’ll take a look at the movie. We’ll proceed tomorrow. However I like loads of issues that I noticed, individually and group (clever).”
A dunk by Leonard and a layup off a no-look feed from Harden prolonged the Clippers’ result in 86-66 with 4:37 remaining within the third quarter. The Clippers prolonged that result in 28 factors earlier than emptying their bench halfway by means of the fourth.
San Antonio has trailed by 15 factors or extra eight video games this season and by 20 in six contests. The Spurs have rallied to win simply as soon as.
George needed to exit after being poked within the eye by Wembanyama on the Clippers’ first possession. He returned halfway by means of the primary and completed 11 for 16 from the sphere and 4 for 8 on 3-pointers.
Spurs beginning guard Devin Vassell missed the sport with a strained groin.
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The groups shut a two-game set at San Antonio on Wednesday.
Supply: sports activities.inquirer.web