The Clippers refused to be swept, outscored the Thunder by 12 points in the third quarter, and then held the lead to the end with a 127-105 victory over the Thunder.
Paul George missed the game due to injury, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals; Russell Westbrook scored 24 points and 7 assists.
Only three players from the Thunder scored in double figures. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks; Josh Giddey had 18 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
In the first three matches between the Clippers and the Thunder this season, the Thunder had 3 wins and 0 losses, averaging 109 points per game and the Clippers 101 points.
Leonard played the entire first quarter without missing a shot, making 7 of 7 shots, scoring 15 points, 2 assists and 2 steals. Alexander was excellent both offensively and defensively. He made 7 of 12 shots in the half, scored 19 points, 3 assists and 3 hotpots. The two sides tied at 54 in the first half. Westbrook was full of energy, scoring 13 points and 4 assists in the half. The Clippers played a 38-26 offensive in the third quarter, winning the Thunder by 12 points, and maintained their lead until the end of the final quarter.
According to reporter Law Murray, George’s right thigh ligament has not been damaged and does not require surgery. He will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks (until the end of the regular season) and will not travel with the team.
Leonard played 34 minutes and made 13 of 15 shots, including 3 of 4 three-pointers, 32 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals; Westbrook made 8 of 13 shots, 2 of 4 three-pointers, 24 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists .
“Without a player like that, the ball is more in my hands and everyone else’s hands,” Leonard said of George’s absence. .”