Paul George scored 26 points, Kawhi Leonard broke a season high with 256 points and nine rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the NBA-leading Boston Celtics 113-93 on Monday.
Leonard also added six assists, in one of his best games overall in a season that has been interrupted at times following his return from anterior cruciate ligament surgery that caused him to miss all of last season.
Jaylen Brown scored 21 points to lead the Celtics, who have lost two straight for the second time this season. They had won eight of 10, including Saturday’s loss at Golden State. Jayson Tatum had 20 points, well below his average of 30, and 11 rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon had 18 points off the bench.
The Celtics’ visit drew fans and created a playoff-like atmosphere. Boston fans turned out with the same shade of green as Marcus Smart’s hair. But it was the Clippers who made themselves heard.
Leonard also added six assists, in one of his best games overall in a season that has been interrupted at times following his return from anterior cruciate ligament surgery that caused him to miss all of last season.
Jaylen Brown scored 21 points to lead the Celtics, who have lost two straight for the second time this season. They had won eight of 10, including Saturday’s loss at Golden State. Jayson Tatum had 20 points, well below his average of 30, and 11 rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon had 18 points off the bench.
The Celtics’ visit drew fans and created a playoff-like atmosphere. Boston fans turned out with the same shade of green as Marcus Smart’s hair. But it was the Clippers who made themselves heard.ADVERTISEMENT
Los Angeles used a few great offenses and stout defense to control the first half and lead 56-47 at halftime.
Leonard and George went on the attack early in the third. They hit a 3-pointer apiece and combined for 13 straight points to push the lead to 69-57. Luke Kennard came off the bench and went on another 7-0 run, hitting a 3-pointer before John Wall’s basket that put the Clippers up 88-72 going into the fourth quarter.
George and Leonard combined for seven straight points in the quarter and Kennard kept scoring, pushing the lead to 104-80.
The biggest celebration came when Smart missed a pair of free throws, guaranteeing fans free chicken sandwiches. Smart finished with three points and five fouls.
