The Los Angeles Clippers displayed both defensive and offensive prowess in an impressive win against the Miami Heat despite playing shorthanded. Steals, blocks and fast break points became staples as Los Angeles established control.
Leonard powered past Bam Adebayo for a reverse baseline dunk before using Kevin Love’s miscue to score another layup and transition three-pointer.
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Kawhi Leonard returned to action for the Clippers against Miami Heat on Monday night after suffering an injury during their win against Dallas on December 20.
He had an adequate outing in his return, even though not all of his shots fell. An early fourth quarter dunk earned him 13,000 career points; overall he ended with 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists for 24 total points scored and provided five assists as well.
Leonard is still listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Heat; however, he was an active participant in Sunday practice and appears to be making progress towards returning. If he were to return, Amir Coffey could likely return to the bench with Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell potentially losing minutes and touches as a result of Leonard’s absence. Furthermore, for Miami this matchup means Jimmy Butler, Haywood Highsmith, Dru Smith, and Josh Richardson will be absent as well – further diminishing an already limited roster.
Clippers Kawhi Leonard had 24 points in his return from injury
Starting the New Year strong after compiling their best December performance ever (11-2), the Clippers started 2019 on an optimistic note, picking up three victories within 24 hours to gain more confidence than ever in their starting lineup, which featured Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
George continued his impressive play from recent games and showed there’s no reason he can’t become one of the premier West combinations. George recorded 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists against Miami Heat on Monday night to help lead them to victory 121-104 win.
Leonard was listed as questionable to start, due to a left hip contusion, but seemed fine once on the court. After missing two early shots but making five more on subsequent possessions – scoring all four quarters while also collecting six rebounds and blocking a shot on defense – Leonard became the catalyst that the Clippers needed since signing with them from Indiana Pacers earlier this year.
Paul George added 23
George has been an integral component in the Clippers’ recent run of success. He made a critical impactful play during their win against the Cavaliers on Thursday night, and since then has continued his strong play.
Two-time All-Star Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 11 of 18 shooting in the win against the Knicks, as well as collecting four rebounds and providing six assists in 31:13 of floor time – becoming one of only three NBA players ever to do so in every postseason game since 1974!
Justin Russo of the Clip & Roll podcast noted that Powell likely saw an increased workload as part of an effort by Los Angeles to prepare him for his return against Boston on Saturday, per Justin’s report. Powell responded admirably by scoring 22 points on 6-of-10 shooting off the bench as well as four rebounds, one assist and one block in 22 minutes of work.
Norman Powell had 22
After an inauspicious start, Clippers reserve guard Powell found his stride in the second quarter, hitting three 3-pointers, stealing from Bam Adebayo and scoring on transition layups for 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting.
Though they were missing several key players, the Heat battled hard but were never able to build upon their early lead.
Given injuries to Jimmy Butler, Haywood Highsmith, Caleb Martin and Josh Richardson, their teams relied on bench players like Bam Adebayo and Jaquez Cain to shoulder much of the load.
Both former UCLA stars combined for 27 points, but were powerless to stop the Clippers from pulling away in the third quarter. Thanks to an 14-8 run featuring Paul George’s back-to-back 3-pointers, their lead increased to 10. The Heat had difficulty keeping up as they finished with no starting players on the court; their three-game road trip will continue against Lakers on Wednesday.
