Kawhi Leonard showcased his skills by contributing 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists as the Los Angeles Clippers overcame a significant 17-point deficit to secure a 114-101 victory over the short-handed Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
Darius Garland made an impactful debut for the Clippers, scoring 12 points in nearly 23 minutes of play off the bench. He joined the team after being traded from Cleveland in a deal that sent James Harden to the Cavaliers at the trade deadline last month. Despite dealing with a toe injury, Garland managed to stay in the game after a collision with Moses Moody late in the second quarter, which left both players shaken but uninjured.
Garland played a pivotal role as he sank a crucial 3-pointer with just over three minutes left in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 75-68. Shortly after, Kris Dunn contributed with a steal and layup, bringing the Clippers within striking distance at 79-77 heading into the final quarter.
Dunn finished strong with 16 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Despite struggling with their long-range shooting, going 9-for-31 from beyond the arc, the Clippers launched a strong 9-4 run to start the fourth quarter, ultimately taking the lead at 88-81.
On the Warriors’ side, Brandin Podziemski led the scoring with 22 points, stepping up in the absence of Stephen Curry, who is out for the 11th consecutive game due to a right knee injury. The Warriors also missed big man Kristaps Porzingis, out for his fifth straight game with an undisclosed illness. Rookie Will Richard was in a walking boot due to a sprained ankle. Al Horford added 17 points for Golden State, which has struggled, losing five out of seven and nine of their last 14 games.
Looking ahead, the Clippers will host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, while the Warriors are set for a three-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Thursday.