In a dynamic display of skill, Kawhi Leonard led the Los Angeles Clippers to a decisive 118-101 victory over the Utah Jazz on March 15, 2024. Leonard scored an impressive 45 points, helping the Clippers extend their winning streak to a season-best six games. Despite a late-game surge from the Jazz, the Clippers maintained control, showcasing their resilience after initially blowing a 21-point lead.
The game took an intense turn in the fourth quarter when Leonard, who was the sole starter on the court for much of the period, matched Utah’s points, scoring 20 while dealing with a visible scratch on his nose. His performance included four of seven successful three-point shots during a pivotal stretch where the Clippers scored seven consecutive three-pointers. Nicolas Batum contributed significantly as well, finishing with 14 points and hitting four of six attempts from beyond the arc.
Utah’s effort was commendable, particularly given they were without three of their starters: Keyonte George (illness), Lauri Markkanen (knee), and Jusuf Nurkic (toe). The Jazz were led by reserve player Kyle Anderson, who scored 22 points, marking his first 20-point game in nearly three years. Brice Sensabaugh also made a notable contribution with 20 points, while Cody Williams added 18 points and Isaiah Collier recorded 16 points and 10 assists.
The game started with an explosive performance from the Clippers, outscoring the Jazz 28-7 in the early moments. Utah struggled initially, missing their first six shots and managing only one rebound in the first six minutes. The Jazz eventually found their rhythm, outscoring the Clippers 33-22 in the second quarter. Leonard accounted for the Clippers’ first nine points of that period, leading to a narrow halftime score of 53-50 in favor of Los Angeles.
Despite their comeback efforts, the Jazz have now lost six of their last eight games. They showcased a strong performance in the paint, scoring 58 points close to the basket, and their bench outscored the Clippers’ reserves 51-40. The Clippers will look to continue their winning momentum as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics at the Intuit Dome on Saturday.
