In an exhilarating conclusion to a tightly contested game, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a 111-110 overtime win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night in Inglewood, California. Kawhi Leonard emerged as the hero, netting a dramatic game-winning hook shot at the buzzer. Positioned strategically at the top of the key, Leonard let the clock run down, then made his move. Dribbling right before cutting across the paint, he launched a left-handed hook as defenders closed in. The ball bounced off the backboard and rim, finally dropping through the net, igniting celebration among the Clippers and their fans.
Despite his earlier struggles, having missed 12 of his 18 shots before that moment, Leonard’s clutch shot was his only attempt in overtime. Fellow teammate James Harden lauded Leonard’s performance, saying, “Players make big-time plays and he’s done it throughout his entire career. For him to step up and hit a game-winner like that, it shows the confidence in the type of player he is.” Leonard, thrilled with the victory, raced towards his teammates, celebrating their crucial victory. “We need these wins down the stretch,” he noted. “I think this will help us be a better team moving forward. Everybody was excited and knew we needed it.”
The victory solidified the Clippers’ position, enhancing their hold on eighth place in the Western Conference standings, while the Kings, now 1 1/2 games behind, saw their hopes slightly dented. The game took place under unusual circumstances, as head coach Tyronn Lue was absent due to back pain, leaving assistant Brian Shaw at the helm. Shaw described the nail-biting experience, sharing that Lue was watching from home and was visibly tense as the game unfolded.
The Clippers have faced challenges since the All-Star break, posting a 4-6 record amidst Norman Powell’s absence, the team’s leading scorer, for much of that period. With James Harden and Powell anchoring the team for most of the season, contributions from players like Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr. have been vital. Leonard, who only made his season debut in early January, has gradually increased his on-floor presence but is still under a minutes restriction.
Reflecting on the victory, Leonard remarked on the importance of pacing himself over the remainder of the season. He emphasized his focus on being healthy for the end of the season and avoiding another intensive rehabilitation period. “I’m not thinking about that. It’s one game,” he said. “My goal is to be healthy at the end of this season so I can have a good summer and not worry about doing a whole rehab process again or missing a training camp.”
The overtime period was a close contest, characterized by a back-and-forth between both teams. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan spearheaded the Kings’ offense with 13 points combined, while Leonard, Zubac, Harden, and Jones collectively secured 14 points for the Clippers. As the game wound down to the final seconds, Leonard rejoined the action with the Clippers trailing by a point. His composure under pressure exemplified his veteran experience. “Just be patient. Even with 5 seconds on the clock or 3 seconds, you still got a lot of time to get a shot off,” Leonard advised. “Just trust your work.”
