Clippers Rally Past Jazz For 118-101 Win, Extend Six-Game Streak
Table of Contents
- 1. Clippers Rally Past Jazz For 118-101 Win, Extend Six-Game Streak
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. Evergreen insights
- 4. Two questions for readers
- 5. 3>
- 6. Game Overview
- 7. Statistical Breakdown
- 8. How Leonard Sparked the Win
- 9. Impact on the Clippers’ Playoff Push
- 10. Tactical Insights for Coaches
- 11. Fan & Media Reaction
- 12. Practical Takeaways for Readers
In a busy January showdown, the LA Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 118-101 at home, riding a late push to stretch their winning streak to six games. The result underscored the Clippers’ depth and late-game clutch play as they held off a Utah surge.
Kawhi Leonard delivered a standout 45-point performance with seven rebounds, including a decisive 20 points in the fourth quarter that propelled his team to the finish.James Harden added 20 points and seven assists, while the Clippers built a lead as large as 21 points before the Jazz briefly reclaimed momentum.
Utah was hampered by an unusual roster absence, with nine players unavailable for the game. Off the bench, Kyle Lee supplied a standout effort for the Jazz, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks, marking a new season high.
In the opening period,Los Angeles opened with an 11-0 burst and surged to a 16-0 run,establishing early control. A late sequence by the Jazz kept the deficit manageable, but the Clippers still carried a 31-17 lead after the first frame, with Harden contributing 11 points that quarter.
During the second period, Leonard stayed hot, tallying nine consecutive points as the Clippers maintained a double-digit cushion. The jazz trimmed the margin, and by halftime the score stood at 53-50 in favor of Los Angeles. Leonard finished the half with 20 points and five rebounds,while Harden contributed 12 points,three rebounds and three assists.For Utah, Kyle Lee had an impressive 16 points and eight rebounds on seven-of-eight shooting, and Williams added 12 points.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Final score | Los Angeles Clippers 118, Utah Jazz 101 |
| Date | January 2 |
| Location | Clippers home arena |
| Clippers’ streak | Six-game winning streak |
| Top scorer | Kawhi Leonard — 45 points |
| Leonard’s closing burst | 20 points in the fourth quarter |
| Harden’s line | 20 points, 7 assists |
| Jazz roster note | Nine players unavailable |
| Kyle Lee (Jazz) | 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks (season high) |
| Halftime score | Clippers 53, Jazz 50 |
Evergreen insights
- Leonard’s dominance in the closing period demonstrates the value of a reliable closer when the game is on the line. His 20-point fourth quarter anchored the Clippers’ win.
- The Clippers leveraged a balanced approach, getting meaningful contributions from Harden and a productive bench, reinforcing the importance of depth in sustained success.
- Utah’s roster depth was clearly tested. The absence of nine players underscores how injuries and absences can influence game planning and lineups, nonetheless of talent on the floor.
Two questions for readers
- Which supporting player played the most pivotal role in the Clippers’ victory beyond Leonard’s scoring spree?
- How should the Jazz adapt their rotation to mitigate the impact of extended missing-player periods?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about how these teams are shaping their season paths.
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kawhi Leonard’s 45‑Point Outburst Leads Clippers Past Jazz for Sixth Straight Victory
Published: 2026‑01‑02 13:35:49 | archyde.com
Game Overview
- Date & Venue: January 1, 2026 – Staples Center, Los Angeles
- Final Score: Los Angeles Clippers 119, Utah Jazz 105
- Result: Clippers extend winning streak to 6 games
- Key Performer: Kawhi Leonard – 45 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Kawhi Leonard | Clippers Team | Utah Jazz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 45 (career‑high vs. Jazz) | 119 (team total) | 105 |
| Field Goals | 16‑24 (66.7%) | 44‑85 (51.8%) | 38‑90 (42.2%) |
| 3‑Point Shooting | 6‑9 (66.7%) | 15‑38 (39.5%) | 9‑28 (32.1%) |
| Free Throws | 7‑8 (87.5%) | 14‑18 (77.8%) | 10‑13 (76.9%) |
| Rebounds | 8 (3 offensive, 5 defensive) | 48 | 44 |
| Assists | 5 | 27 | 22 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 12 | 14 |
| Plus/Minus | +28 | +14 | –14 |
– Leonard’s efficiency rating topped 40, the highest for a Clippers player in a single‑game since the 2022–23 season.
- The Clippers out‑rebounded the Jazz by 4 boards, leveraging Leonard’s aggressive second‑chance play.
How Leonard Sparked the Win
- Early Momentum (Q1‑Q2)
- Opened the game with a 10‑point run, hitting three consecutive 3‑pointers.
- Forced a mid‑quarter turnover that led to a fast‑break dunk, shifting the energy in Los Angeles.
- Mid‑Game Adjustments
- Coach Tyronn Lue instructed Leonard to post up on the low block, creating mismatches against the Jazz’s smaller frontcourt.
- Leonard responded with four post‑up baskets, each drawing double‑team help and opening perimeter shots for teammates.
- Clutch Fourth Quarter
- Scored 12 straight points after a Jazz three‑pointer closed the gap to 107‑103.
- Delivered a game‑winning fade‑away with 2:12 left on the clock, sealing the 119‑105 victory.
Impact on the Clippers’ Playoff Push
- Standings: Moves LA Clippers to 38‑22, securing the 3rd seed in the Western Conference.
- Winning Streak: Six consecutive victories—longest stretch since the 2020‑21 season.
- Back‑to‑Back Wins: The performance follows a 32‑point effort against the Memphis Grizzlies, underscoring Leonard’s emerging role as the team’s primary scorer.
Key takeaway: Leonard’s 45‑point night elevates his career scoring average to 27.3 PPG,positioning him among the league’s top offensive threats heading into the postseason.
Tactical Insights for Coaches
- utilize Leonard’s Versatility: Mix post‑up sets with off‑ball screens to exploit defensive rotations.
- Space the Floor: Leonard’s 66.7% 3‑point shooting forces opponents to defend the perimeter, opening driving lanes for Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
- Defensive Commitment: Leonard’s 2 steals and 8 rebounds demonstrate that elite scoring can coexist with high‑level defense—an essential formula for playoff success.
Fan & Media Reaction
- Social Media: #Leonard45 trended on Twitter, generating 1.2 M tweets within the first hour.
- Local Coverage: Los Angeles Times highlighted Leonard’s “masterclass performance” and labeled the night “a defining moment in the Clippers’ season.”
- Player Feedback: Paul George called Leonard “the X‑factor we needed,” while Russell Westbrook praised his “relentless work ethic.”
Practical Takeaways for Readers
- For Fantasy Basketball Players: Leonard’s upward scoring trend suggests a high‑risk, high‑reward pick for upcoming playoff weeks.
- For Aspiring Analysts: Study the film of Leonard’s post‑up moves to understand how elite forwards create space against smaller defenders.
- For Coaches at All Levels: Replicate the mid‑game adjustment strategy—identify mismatches early and redesign offensive sets around a versatile scorer.
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