Los Angeles Clippers overwhelmed the struggling Utah Jazz with a resounding 131-102 victory on Friday night, extending Utah’s losing streak to an alarming 11 games.
Despite missing Kawhi Leonard for the third consecutive game due to a sore right knee, the Clippers showcased their depth as Terance Mann led the charge with 19 points, spearheading a remarkable effort with eight players reaching double figures. James Harden recorded his third triple-double of the season, contributing 13 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Ivica Zubac and Paul George added significant contributions with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and 14 points respectively.
From the opening tip-off, the Clippers asserted their dominance, racing to commanding leads of 17-2, 26-7, and 36-11 en route to a commanding 41-16 advantage after the first quarter. Norman Powell’s milestone three-pointer off the bench, marking his 150th career three-pointer for the Clippers, further exemplified the team’s offensive proficiency.
The Clippers continued their offensive onslaught into halftime, building an insurmountable 75-42 lead by the break, with Harden guiding the reserves to extend the margin.
Although the Jazz displayed resilience in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 37-28, they failed to narrow the deficit to less than 20 points, ultimately succumbing to another lopsided defeat.
With both teams opting for their reserves in the final quarter, the Clippers comfortably secured the victory as the game wound down.