Kawhi Leonard’s 29 Points Lead Clippers to a Win Over the Knicks, Bringing Them to Even Record

Clippers Edge Knicks 126-118 to Reach .500 for First Time Since November

The Los Angeles Clippers secured a hard-fought 126-118 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night at Intuit Dome. With this win, the Clippers improved their overall record to 32-32, marking their first return to .500 since early November.

Kawhi Leonard led the team with 29 points, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 28 points off the bench, highlighting a strong performance as the Clippers continue their push for a favorable position in the NBA play-in tournament. This win follows a tough start to the season, during which the team managed just six wins in their first 27 games.

Leonard’s scoring streak extended to 42 consecutive games, where he has scored at least 20 points, placing him second among active NBA players and marking the third-longest such streak in Clippers history.

Mathurin’s scoring surge included 22 points in the second half, joining Darius Garland, who added 23 points and seven assists in his second start. Five Clippers finished the game in double figures, reflecting a well-rounded offensive effort.

The Knicks were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 35 points on an efficient 13-of-17 shooting, alongside 12 rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby contributed 28 and 22 points, respectively. Despite the loss, the Knicks began to chip away at a 15-point deficit with a 17-9 run, highlighted by six consecutive points from Brunson, closing the third quarter at 88-81.

In a tense final stretch, the Knicks closed within five points three times in the last four minutes. However, the Clippers maintained control thanks in part to Mathurin’s three-point play and a pivotal three-pointer from Derrick Jones Jr.

The Knicks, currently third in the Eastern Conference, struggled with consistency, splitting the season series with the Clippers and failing to win in Los Angeles since 2022. They have lost three of their last four games.

The game opened with the Clippers hitting four straight three-pointers, establishing an early lead. The first half concluded with a scoring duel between Leonard and Towns, resulting in a Clippers’ 64-55 advantage at halftime.

Looking ahead, the Clippers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their next game at Intuit Dome on Wednesday.