INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In a historic performance, Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points and James Harden contributed an additional 21 as the Los Angeles Clippers decisively defeated the Brooklyn Nets 126-67 on Wednesday night, achieving the largest victory margin in the franchise’s history.
The Clippers surpassed their previous record of a 50-point win set against Oklahoma City on April 10, 2022. Notably, this loss marks the most significant defeat the Nets have encountered, surpassing a 52-point loss to Houston back in 1978.
Los Angeles built a commanding lead, which peaked at 64 points in the midst of the fourth quarter, even with coach Tyronn Lue opting to rest his starters late in the third. Leonard, returning from a knee injury, played a season-high 24 minutes, showcasing his ability on the court.
For Brooklyn, Jalen Wilson led the scoring with 16 points, while Day’Ron Sharpe added 12. Unfortunately for the Nets, this loss adds to their struggling season as they have lost five out of their last six games.
Norman Powell was another standout for the Clippers, contributing 18 points. Los Angeles dominated the first half with a score of 58-35 and continued their impressive run into the third quarter, starting with a 13-0 run that ultimately led to a staggering 29-3 stretch. By the end of the third quarter, the Clippers had a comfortable lead of 102-51.
In a pivotal moment, the Clippers trailed 25-24 early in the second quarter but shifted gears dramatically, launching into a 21-4 run over a span of 5:35. During this stretch, Leonard scored eight points, and Amir Coffey netted five, enabling LA to seize control of the game.
On the stat sheet, the shooting percentages illustrated the disparity between the two teams; the Clippers connected on 54.4% of their shots (43 of 79), whereas the Nets struggled significantly at just 30.5% (25 of 82), including a dismal 5 of 27 from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the Clippers are scheduled to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, while the Nets will remain in the Los Angeles area to take on the Lakers on Friday evening.
