It's been an inconsistent past month for the championship-contending Los Angeles Clippers. In a 13-game span from Dec. 14 to Jan. 12, they went 7-6 and only won consecutive games twice.
After losing to the Denver Nuggets a couple of days earlier, the Clippers bounced back with a dominant win over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Without Paul George, six Clippers scored in double figures but it was Kawhi Leonard who took over as they blew out the Cavaliers, 128-103.
Kawhi Leonard is the first player to drop 43+ points in less than 30 minutes while taking 10 threes or fewer since Larry Bird in 1986. pic.twitter.com/oGFj7vpclp
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 15, 2020
He recorded a season-high 43 points (14-22 FG's), four assists, three rebounds, and two steals, finishing with a team-high +39 in his 29 minutes on the floor.
"When Kawhi is that efficient it is impressive to watch," Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said post-game.
His tally of 43 points is the most by a Clippers player through three quarters in the last 20 seasons.
Kawhi Leonard is the third player since 1954-55 (shot-clock era) to score 43 or more points in under 29 minutes played, joining Klay Thompson (twice) and Kemba Walker. #SAPStatLineOfTheNight pic.twitter.com/zxZh531TJt
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) January 15, 2020
This is Leonard's second 40-point game of the season as he knocked down a season-high six 3-pointers.
"It is being able to win by 30 points, being able to come out and do our job and play our good defense," the reigning Finals MVP said after the win.
With Leonard filling it up, him going off, the rest of the Clippers didn't have to do much.
Lou Williams added 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, adding for assists, while Ivica Zubac impressed in the middle with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
SORRY TO THAT MAN. 😲
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 15, 2020
📺 @FoxSportsWest | @ivicazubac pic.twitter.com/DEWE2BinFT
For the Cavaliers, who were playing their third contest of a six-game road trip and on the second night of a back-to-back, they were led by Collin Sexton's 25 points in 28 minutes (10-18 FG's), while rookie Darius Garland finished with 14 points and 10 assists.
The Clippers will stay home to take on the Orlando Magic on Friday, before taking off for a six-game Eastern Conference-heavy road trip.
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