Leonard, shorthanded Clippers manhandle Kings
SACRAMENTO » Kawhi Leonard had 27 points and six assists in three quarters, Paul George scored 26 and the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers manhandled the Sacramento Kings 138-100 on Friday night.
The Clippers have won 15 consecutive road games against the Kings. Los Angeles hasn't lost in Sacramento since March 19, 2013.
The 138 points were the most the Clippers had scored since putting up 150 against Washington on Dec. 1, 2019, although coach Tyronn Lue seemed more pleased team's defense.
“We challenged our guys to be better defensively,” Lue said. “I thought we played the right way throughout the course of the game. The whole 48 minutes we played the game the right way and that was good to see.”
Playing without guards Patrick Beverley (personal reasons) and Lou Williams (sore left hip), the Clippers led by eight at halftime and then broke the game open in the third quarter when they outscored the Kings 37-16.
Leonard had 11 points during the blitz, including a jarring, one-handed dunk with his over Cory Joseph as part of a 17-2 run. Leonard sat out the fourth period as Lue emptied his bench.
Los Angeles' backups came up big all game to ease the absences of Beverley and Williams.
Reggie Jackson started in place of Beverley and had 11 points, three assists and four rebounds. Marcus Morris scored a season-high 18 points, Terance Mann had a season-best 13 points and nine rebounds, and Luke Kennard scored 14.
“Pat and Lou are a big part of our team. Missing them is definitely a lot, but we got other guys to step up,” Morris
said. “T-Mann stepped up and Reggie stepped up. Kudos to them for staying ready and being ready when their number's called.”
Marvin Bagley III had 20 points and five rebounds for Sacramento. Richaun Holmes added 17 points and five rebounds.
“That team just came and pushed us around,” Kings coach Luke Walton said. “We have to understand as a group we have to be able to guard people and rebound when we get stops. Right now that's something we have to figure out. It was evident tonight. They got what they wanted.”