With no Kawhi Leonard, down 12 points at the final frame, Coach Tyronne Lue getting ejected, and Paul George fouling out late, the Los Angeles Clippers managed to overcome the odds on their way to gutsy 130-125 over the Golden State Warriors.
James Harden had 26 points, George chipped in 24 but it was Norman Powell who stole the spotlight and led a surging Clippers rally.
Powell waxed hot just in time, scoring 12 of his 21 points in the final frame as the Clippers took over the season series against the Warriors even without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who was out due to a strained left adductor injury.Norman Powell gives the Clippers their first lead since the 1st quarter!
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2024
LAC-GSW | 4Q on ESPN pic.twitter.com/i9j4uvntR9
Norman Powell's on fire!
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2024
His 4th three of the 4Q 🔥
Get to ESPN for LAC-GSW pic.twitter.com/fhtfONEV1Y
Lue was ejected in the fourth frame after receiving a second technical foul, following a scuffle between Mason Plumlee and Brandin Podziemski.
Just as when the Clippers' night couldn't get worse, George picked up hissixth foul at the 3:07 mark. That’s when Powell and Amir Coffey took over and gave Los Angeles its third straight win.
COFF3Y IN THE CORNER ?? pic.twitter.com/exEdlRxm4L
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 15, 2024
Steph Curry led Golden State, whose five-game winning streak ended, with 41 points while Podziemski had his best game as a Warrior with 25 points.
The Clippers improved to 36-17 win-loss mark with the victory, good for a third spot in the Western Conference. The Warriors returned to .500 via an even 27-27 slate, hanging tight in the 10th post with the loss.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
