Leonard has season-high 36 to send Clippers past Spurs

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 36 factors towards his former staff, and the Los Angeles Clippers snapped a two-game skid by beating the San Antonio Spurs 131-126 on Friday night time.

The Clippers had misplaced 9 of 11, however coach Tyronn Lue believed this recreation may mark the beginning of a turnaround for his staff.

“I felt it this morning,” Lue mentioned. “I feel having our guys again and everybody going again to their pure roles helps us out rather a lot. With Kawhi and PG (Paul George) on the ground, we play at a excessive degree.”

The Clippers had seven gamers rating in double figures, together with Norman Powell with 26 factors and George had 16 factors and 12 assists.

Los Angeles shot 63% from the sector, 54% on 3-pointers and had 31 assists.

Keldon Johnson had 23 factors for San Antonio, which has misplaced 9 of 11. Josh Richardson added 17 factors, Zach Collins had a season-high 17 and Jeremy Sochan had 16.

Leonard and George performed collectively for simply the third time in January. Leonard placed on a present on the courtroom the place he received NBA Finals MVP in 2014 with the Spurs.

After dropping 15 kilos, Leonard appeared spry and had three thunderous dunks.

“I’m feeling rather a lot lighter, shifting rather a lot bit higher on the market,” Leonard mentioned. “I’m feeling fairly good. Performed just a few video games in a row.”

The 6-foot-7 ahead was 13 for 18 from the sector and 4 for five on 3-pointers whereas including seven assists, 4 rebounds and two steals.

“He was nice,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich mentioned. “He’s one of many most interesting gamers within the league. We’re speaking in regards to the very high of the record – he’s with these guys.”

Leonard scored 13 factors in slightly below 3 1/2 minutes beginning halfway via the third quarter to offer the Clippers a 93-90 lead. Leonard had three 3-pointers and a vicious left-handed dunk within the run.

San Antonio didn’t have a person reply for Leonard however responded by taking pictures 57% from the sector and 54% on 3-pointers to associate with 34 assists.

“We received this recreation tonight as a result of we made photographs,” Leonard mentioned. “They shot 57% and we shot 63. We positively must get higher. We’re not going to shoot 63% each night time. We’ve received to ensure their percentages are rather a lot decrease than that. We nonetheless want to enhance. We’ve received rather a lot to enhance on if we need to be an important staff.”

The Clippers set an opponent excessive with 41 factors within the opening quarter, besting the mark they shared with 40 factors towards the Spurs within the opening quarter on Nov. 19. San Antonio responded by holding Los Angeles to 24 factors within the second quarter.

“The staff, I assumed, was spectacular,” Popovich mentioned. “They by no means give in. They’re enjoying extra bodily than they’ve all yr. They’re aiding, enjoying the best method. These guys made photographs down the stretch, and oftentimes, that’s the distinction. However I used to be actually pleased with our guys. They did an important job.”

TIP-INS

Clippers: PG John Wall sat out with an stomach pressure and G Luke Kennard missed the sport with a sore proper calf. … F Marcus Morris obtained a technical foul with 47 seconds remaining within the first half after frequently speaking to Sochan as the 2 stood throughout from one another on the free throw line. Morris’ twin brother, Markieff, received right into a skirmish with Sochan on Tuesday. Sochan tumbled to the courtroom and took Morris with him after the Nets ahead set a tough display screen shortly after Sochan put three fingers in his face following a 3-pointer.

Spurs: San Antonio assistant coach Brett Brown missed the sport resulting from “private enterprise,” based on the staff. … The Spurs completed a four-game homestand at 1-3. … San Antonio signed veteran heart Gorgui Dieng to a second 10-day contract.

WELCOME BACK

Leonard was cheered by the Spurs followers for the primary time since demanding a commerce and leaving San Antonio in 2018.

Leonard was honored earlier than the sport with a video highlighting his seven seasons in San Antonio. There was a smattering of boos, however nothing to the extent of jeers he obtained in earlier appearances in San Antonio.

“It’s been a protracted journey,” Leonard mentioned. “The followers are very aggressive right here. After I’m on the video games you would possibly hear boos, but when I’m strolling on the road or going to eating places, individuals come as much as me and nonetheless inform me how a lot they love my recreation and like me as an individual. So, I do know it’s only a competitors as soon as I’m right here. I perceive.”

UP NEXT

Clippers: At Dallas on Sunday.

Spurs: At Portland on Monday.