Back to the peak! Leonard and Harden combine for 53 points, LeBron scores 36 but Lakers fall to Clippers

On December 21st, Beijing time, in an NBA regular season game, the Clippers defeated the Lakers 103-88 at home, snapping their five-game losing streak.

In the first quarter, Harden nailed a three-pointer, Collins delivered a powerful dunk, Dunn scored 5 points both inside and outside, Batum hit a long shot, and Zubac completed a 2+1 play, allowing the Clippers to pull ahead 26-9. Doncic’s offensive prowess helped the Lakers fight back. By the end of the quarter, the Clippers led 28-15.

In the second quarter, Lopez hit two consecutive three-pointers from outside, Leonard scored 5 straight points, helping the Clippers extend their lead to 39-22. Doncic made a three, Hayes threw down an alley-oop dunk, Doncic scored another three, and Hayes added another dunk, bringing the Lakers closer. Leonard’s long-range shooting kept the Clippers firmly ahead. At halftime, the Clippers led 54-39.

During the third quarter, Lopez and Dunn hit back-to-back three-pointers, Leonard threw down a dunk, pushing the Clippers’ lead to 65-49. Leonard hit a long shot, Collins scored 5 points both inside and outside, Harden made a floater near the basket, and Leonard’s continued three-point shooting impressed. The Clippers ended the quarter strong, leading 80-61.

In the final quarter, Smith hit a fadeaway jumper, LeBron relentlessly attacked the rim, and LaRavia made a banked layup. After the Lakers went on a 12-0 run, the score closed to 73-80. Collins and Harden hit consecutive three-pointers, Leonard stole the ball and slammed it down, helping the Clippers stretch the lead back to 88-73. Smith kept hitting jumpers, LaRavia made an easy putback, and the Lakers narrowed the gap to 79-88. Harden completed a 3+1 play, Leonard made a free throw line jumper, and Collins hit another three, pushing the Clippers ahead 97-81 by 16 points. The Clippers maintained their advantage firmly and secured the win as expected.

Starting Lineups

Clippers: Leonard, Collins, Zubac, Dunn, Harden

Lakers: LeBron, LaRavia, Hayes, Smart, Doncic