A Thrilling Finish at the Intuit Dome
Los Angeles, California — The Intuit Dome erupted in a collective roar that reverberated through the rafters as Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning lefty floater found the bottom of the net with time expiring. It was a moment that epitomized the resilience and determination of the Los Angeles Clippers, who found themselves down to the Sacramento Kings by one point with just 21.6 seconds left on the clock. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s tough night, having missed 12 of his 18 shots up to that point, coach Brian Shaw, filling in for Tyronn Lue who was dealing with back pain, made a strategic decision that paid off in the final seconds.
James Harden’s Stellar Performance
While Leonard struggled, James Harden was the driving force behind the Clippers’ offense, contributing 29 points and 11 assists. His performance kept the Clippers in the game and set the stage for the final dramatic sequence. "I expected that [the Kings] felt like the ball was going to go to James and he was going to make the play for us down the end," Shaw explained. "I think that threw them off a little bit as well because Kawhi didn’t have to go strong, but I thought all the shots that he took were good shots, they just didn’t go in. And so I played the odds that, you know, the next one would be going in."
Leonard’s Calm Under Pressure
Leonard, known for his clutch performances, did not disappoint in the final seconds. Coach Shaw instructed him to take the last shot, ensuring the Kings wouldn’t have another opportunity to respond. Leonard’s composure was evident as he methodically read the defense, moved to the right elbow where he is particularly dangerous with a fadeaway, and then spun back across the paint to release the lefty floater. "Pretty much read the defense, got to a spot on the floor, and was able to get a shot off," Leonard said in his characteristic understated manner.
The Aftermath: A Crucial Win
The 111-110 overtime win not only gave the Clippers a much-needed victory but also solidified their position as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, now 1.5 games ahead of the No. 9 seed Sacramento Kings. Both teams are likely to be part of the play-in tournament, but the difference between the 8th and 9th seeds is significant. The 8th seed needs to win just one of two play-in games to advance to the playoffs, potentially as the 7th seed, while the 9th seed must win two games, one of which is on the road, to secure the 8th seed. "You know, we need these wins down the stretch," Leonard emphasized. "I think this will help us be a better team moving forward. Us getting that win, everybody was excited and know we needed it."
Contributions from the Bench and Key Players
Ivica Zubac was a force in the paint, contributing 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr. provided crucial support off the bench with 17 points, including a clutch 3-pointer in overtime. The Kings, despite the loss, showed impressive effort, with DeMar DeRozan scoring 31 points and Zach LaVine adding 30. However, they were shorthanded without the injured Domantas Sabonis, which affected their overall performance.
Looking Ahead: Health and Hope
The Clippers remain optimistic about their playoff prospects, believing that if they can get their key players healthy, they have the potential to make a significant playoff run. Norman Powell, who was out on Sunday, is a crucial part of their lineup, and his return could provide the boost they need. "If Leonard is hitting game-winners, they are a threat," said a confident Shaw. The win against the Kings not only strengthened their position but also bolstered their confidence as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
