Kawhi Leonard Scores 25, But the Clippers Fall Short Against the Knicks
NEW YORK — In a much-needed turnaround, Karl-Anthony Towns led the New York Knicks to a 123-111 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Towns recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, and a season-high seven assists, helping the Knicks snap a four-game losing streak.
Towns rebounded from a lackluster performance in a previous game against the Detroit Pistons, where he managed only six points and six turnovers in a 121-90 defeat. This time, he made a significant impact in the fourth quarter, contributing 10 points as the Knicks pulled away.
Joining him in the effort, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points, while OG Anunoby added 20 and Deuce McBride chipped in with 16. The Knicks mounted a decisive 24-7 run that began late in the third quarter, turning a four-point deficit into a commanding 105-92 lead.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 25 points, marking only their second loss in the last nine games. James Harden contributed 23 points and nine assists after missing the previous game against the Golden State Warriors due to shoulder soreness.
The game began with the Clippers taking a quick 14-5 lead, but the Knicks quickly closed the gap with an eight-point run. The two teams remained close throughout the first three quarters, with the Clippers holding an 85-81 lead late in the third. However, the Knicks finished strong and entered the final quarter with a 90-87 advantage.
Towns opened the fourth with a three-point play followed by a basket, fueling an 8-0 run that extended the Knicks’ lead to 105-92.
For the Clippers, Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while John Collins added 18 points and four rebounds.
