Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks throughout the second quarter at Intuit Dome. Necessary Credit score: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Photographs Norman Powell scored 20 factors and Ivica Zubac added 18 factors to go together with 18 rebounds because the Los Angeles Clippers celebrated the season debut of Kawhi Leonard with a 131-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday in Inglewood, Calif.
Amir Coffey scored 17 factors whereas Leonard had 12 on 4-of-11 taking pictures in 19 minutes of court docket time after lacking the primary 34 video games of the season on account of a proper knee harm. Terance Mann (finger) additionally returned to motion after lacking the previous 11 video games and scored 12 factors in 16 minutes.
Los Angeles took management early, main by as many as 27 factors within the first half earlier than enhancing to 12-2 at house since Nov. 4.
Trae Younger scored 20 factors and dished out 14 assists and De’Andre Hunter added 18 factors because the Hawks misplaced for the second consecutive night time within the Los Angeles space following a 119-102 setback in opposition to the Lakers on Friday.
Garrison Mathews scored 15 factors and Zaccharie Risacher added 13 for Atlanta, which misplaced its third consecutive recreation.
The Hawks’ Jalen Johnson (shoulder) didn’t play for the second time prior to now three video games, whereas Bogdan Bogdanovic (leg) was out for the sixth time in seven video games.
Leonard made his first shot of the season, a 3-pointer from the left wing simply over two minutes into the sport.
After main 29-28 by one quarter, the Clippers used a 27-4 run within the second quarter to construct a 63-39 benefit. Los Angeles was up 74-54 at halftime after taking pictures 54.5 p.c from the ground whereas forcing 13 Atlanta turnovers.
The Clippers led 98-76 after three quarters, with Mann scoring his first 5 factors of the sport within the third. The Hawks by no means significantly threatened within the last quarter.
Los Angeles shot 55.2 p.c from the ground for the sport and had a season-high 36 assists. James Harden had 15 of these helpers to go together with 10 factors.
Atlanta shot 43.2 p.c general and completed with 23 turnovers.
–Subject Degree Media
