Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points in his return from a brief absence, helping the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night at Inglewood, California. The victory continued the Clippers’ hot streak and marked another strong performance at home in front of their fans.

The Clippers took control early and maintained their advantage, building as many as 26 points in the second half before holding off a late rally from the Lakers. As a result, the Clippers improved their record and took a 2-1 lead in the season series against their cross-town rivals.

📊 Key Contributors for the Clippers

Leonard was far from the only effective scorer for the Clippers on Thursday. Key figures included:

• Ivica Zubac, who contributed 18 points and 19 rebounds
• James Harden, who scored 18 points while dishing out 10 assists
• Jordan Miller, who added 14 points
• John Collins, who chipped in 13 points

Each of these performances helped the Clippers sustain pressure and respond when the Lakers tried to cut the deficit.

Meanwhile, the Lakers were led by Luka Dončić, who scored 32 points with 11 rebounds and eight assists, and LeBron James, who added 23 points. Rui Hachimura contributed 12 points off the bench as the Lakers sought to stay close. However, Los Angeles could not overcome the Clippers’ balanced attack.

🏟 Game Flow and Turning Points

The Clippers held the lead almost from the opening tip, and their offense flowed well through much of the first half. They closed the second quarter with a strong push to enter halftime with a decisive advantage. While the Lakers mounted a spirited comeback, closing the gap through a strong run, the Clippers responded quickly.

In the final minutes, key baskets from Zubac and Collins helped the Clippers restore their cushion, and a late Harden free throw ensured the Lakers could not complete their comeback. This combination of scoring and rebounding strength kept the Clippers ahead in the closing stretch.

🏀 Clippers Momentum and Next Steps

The win extended the Clippers’ solid home form, their ninth victory in the last 10 home games. They also improved their overall stretch to a strong record since late December, demonstrating significant momentum as the season progresses.

The Lakers, meanwhile, have struggled at times recently, posting a less consistent record in the latest stretch. Despite strong individual performances, the team will look to regroup and build on future games as they continue their road trip.