LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Clippers rebounded from the dismal effort against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, and took the sting out of the Charlotte Hornets for a 111-96 victory on Monday night at Staples Center.
Of course Kawhi Leonard playing nothing less than MVP caliber basketball, as he led all scorers with 30 points in 30 minutes on 10-of-18 shooting from the floor.
The Clippers began the game with an 8-0 lead, only to see the Hornets cap off the opening quarter on a 17-4 run. The Clippers maintained their lead thanks to four Landry Shamet three pointers in the first quarter.
The incredible play of Ivica Zubac who finished with a record 5 blocks, along with the stellar play of JaMychal Green kept the Hornets at bay in the third quarter. However Los Angeles keep Charlotte in check in the final quarter thanks to the second unit duo of Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams who combined for 42 of the Clippers 111 points on the night.
Leonard has played MVP style basketball in the last four games, he’s averaged 27 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks, as the Clippers are currently 3-1.
The Clippers defense wasn’t as airtight as we’ve seen in the first two games of the season, however the season is still very young.
“We’ve got to come in every game with a defensive hat on first, and we did that tonight,” Leonard said. “It’s still early. We’ve got a long road ahead of us. We’re still building chemistry, getting to know each other on the floor. I wouldn’t say we’re there yet. We’ve got to keep going.“
The Clippers face the Jazz in Utah on Wednesday at 7PM at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
