The Los Angeles Clippers secured a commanding 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons on December 3, 2023, extending their winning streak to four games. This marked a significant achievement for the Clippers, as they not only defeated a strong Eastern Conference team but also showcased a remarkable performance from Kawhi Leonard, who scored a career-high 55 points.
Leonard’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He shot 17-of-26 from the field, contributing to his 10th career game with 40 or more points and his seventh such game in a Clippers uniform. Additionally, Leonard set a franchise record for consecutive free throws made, achieving 68 before missing one in the third quarter, breaking the previous record held by Jamal Crawford, who had 58 consecutive makes. This game also placed Leonard among an elite group, as he became the third player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, and three blocked shots in a single game, joining the ranks of James Harden, who last accomplished this feat in 2019.
The Clippers opened the game with aggressive play, quickly establishing a lead that grew to as much as 24 points. By halftime, they held a convincing 60-42 lead, having limited the Pistons to just 38.1% shooting in the first half. This strong defensive effort was reminiscent of last season, when the Clippers were known for their defensive prowess. In recent weeks, however, they struggled with consistency, often giving away leads.
Head coach Tyronn Lue credited the team’s improved defense for their recent success, stating, “It’s been our point of attack defense. I thought we’ve done a great job, a better job with our guards getting to the ball, not leaving our bigs on the island.” The Clippers’ defense has shown marked improvement during their current streak, allowing an average of 99.7 points per game, a notable decrease from their season average of 115.3.
Despite a late push from the Pistons, who attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, the Clippers maintained control of the game. Brook Lopez hit a crucial three-pointer to keep the momentum in favor of Los Angeles. In addition to Leonard’s stellar performance, James Harden contributed 28 points, while Nicolas Batum added 12 points, hitting four of eight three-point attempts.
The Pistons, who had been looking to regain momentum after a loss to the Utah Jazz, were led by Cade Cunningham, who scored 27 points. However, the Clippers effectively neutralized Cunningham’s impact, particularly in the first half, where he struggled with foul trouble and was limited to just 11 minutes of play. Lue emphasized the importance of varying defensive looks on Cunningham, stating, “You can’t give him a steady look of the same thing because he’ll pick you apart.”
This victory not only boosts the Clippers’ season record to 10-21 but also signifies a pivotal turnaround after a challenging start. The team will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, continuing their quest for consistency and success as they navigate the remainder of the season.
