The Los Angeles Clippers secured a decisive 118-101 victory over the Utah Jazz on December 14, 2023, marking their sixth consecutive win. Leading the charge was star player Kawhi Leonard, who delivered an impressive performance with 45 points, matching the Jazz’s total output in the fourth quarter.
The game showcased a significant turnaround for the Clippers, who had previously suffered a 21-point defeat to the Jazz during their season opener in October. With a series of injuries plaguing the Jazz, including the absence of key players like Lauri Markkanen, the Clippers took the opportunity to demonstrate their progress. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of caution, stating, “It’s the league. Anybody can be beat.”
Ingleswood’s Crypto.com Arena witnessed a tense matchup as the Clippers initially established a commanding lead, going up by as much as 21 points in the first half. However, the Jazz rallied, taking their first lead of the game at 60-58 on free throws by Brice Sensabaugh in the third quarter. The contest remained closely contested until the final minutes when Leonard’s sharp shooting helped the Clippers pull away.
Leonard’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he shot 16-of-29 from the field and secured seven rebounds along with three assists. His scoring prowess was crucial in the fourth quarter, where he hit multiple 3-pointers to ensure the Clippers maintained control of the game. James Harden, who did not play in the fourth quarter, contributed 20 points, while Nicolas Batum added 14 points, capitalizing on his accuracy from beyond the arc.
The Clippers struggled with perimeter shooting throughout the game, finishing with only 15 made shots from 50 attempts. This was a stark contrast to their recent performances, where they had displayed commendable efficiency from long range. Lue acknowledged the lessons learned from their previous encounter with the Jazz, stating, “They played faster than us that opening night. They executed better than we did… all those things played a factor. And we learned from it.”
The Jazz faced a challenging situation with five rotation players unavailable, including center Lauri Markkanen, who was ruled out just before the game due to a knee contusion. Markkanen has been a standout for the Jazz this season, but his absence left the team without significant offensive support. Alongside him, rookie Ace Bailey, Keyonte George, Jusuf Nurkic, and Kevin Love were also sidelined.
Despite their shortcomings, the Jazz showed moments of resilience, particularly in the second quarter when their bench players reduced the deficit from 14 points to just five. However, the Clippers managed to hold onto their lead, finishing the first half ahead 53-50. The Jazz’s slow start included missing their first six shots and struggling to find rhythm, a situation that allowed the Clippers to capitalize early.
As the game concluded, the Clippers celebrated a significant victory that not only extended their winning streak but also highlighted their growth as a team. The Clippers improved their record to 12-21, while the Jazz continue to navigate a difficult season amid injuries and roster challenges. Leonard’s performance, coupled with the team’s collective effort, sets a positive tone as they move forward in the season.
