03/27/24 09:41:00
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03/27 21:39 CDT Kawhi Leonard comes alive late to lead Clippers over 76ers,
108-107
Kawhi Leonard comes alive late to lead Clippers over 76ers, 108-107
By KEVIN COONEY
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) --- Kawhi Leonard completed two 3-point plays late in the
game then made a block at the rim on the final possession to lead the Los
Angeles Clippers to a 108-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday
night.
Paul George had 22 points for Los Angeles while Leonard added 17. James Harden,
in his return to Wells Fargo Center, had 16 points and 14 assists for the
Clippers, who had lost six of nine.
Tyrese Maxey had 26 points for the 76ers while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 17 points,
but was stuffed at the rim by Leonard on a play that Sixers head coach Nick
Nurse felt should have resulted in a foul.
Nurse stormed onto the court after the game to dispute the ending with
officials and had to be restrained by his assistants.
Leonard scored with 44 seconds left, was fouled by Tobias Harris and hot the
free throw to give Los Angeles a 105-104 lead. Sixers guard Buddy Hield
responded with a long 3-pointer to give Philadelphia a 107-105 lead with 23
seconds to play.
After a timeout, Leonard sliced down an empty lane with a reverse layup and
added the free throw after being fouled by Oubre to give the Clippers a
one-point lead again. Oubre drove the lane at the other end of the floor, but
Leonard pinned the ball against the rim and backboard.
Harden played 1 1/2 seasons for the 76ers before being traded to Los Angeles on
Oct. 31 as part of a seven-player deal after a public summer contract dispute
with Daryl Morey, Philadelphia's president of basketball operations.
Harden was greeted by boos when he was the first Clippers player introduced,
then was heckled every time he touched the ball. After a sluggish start, Harden
began to assert himself on the offensive end and distribute the ball. He was 6
of 15 from the floor and grabbed five rebounds.
UP NEXT
Clippers: Continue their four-game road trip in Orlando Friday night.
76ers: At Cleveland on Friday night.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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