Clippers Outshine Wizards 119-105 Behind Leonard, Harden in Commanding Win
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers continued their strong midseason turnaround on Wednesday night, claiming a 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena. Star forward Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and veteran guard James Harden added 22 points and eight assists, lifting the Clippers to their fourth consecutive win and improving a once-sluggish season into a balanced and confidence-boosting stretch that could reshape their playoff hopes.
Despite missing key starters and navigating roster challenges, Los Angeles displayed both offensive firepower and resilience against a young but spirited Washington squad — a performance that underscored the Clippers’ willingness to compete with the league’s better teams even when short-handed.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, the Clippers asserted control. Los Angeles exploded to a 37-22 lead in the first quarter, displaying a sharp shooting touch and suffocating defense that limited Washington’s scoring opportunities. By the first half, Los Angeles had stretched its advantage to 70-51, a commanding margin that reflected both offensive balance and defensive discipline.
Leonard, playing under a minutes restriction due to an ankle issue, nonetheless sparked the Clippers’ attack with a lethal mixture of perimeter shots, drives to the basket, and steady leadership. He shot 7-for-11 from three-point range, energizing the crowd and giving Los Angeles sustained momentum. Harden, typically the orchestrator, balanced scoring with playmaking, constantly probing Washington’s defense and creating open looks for teammates.
Role players stepped up as well. Yanic Konan Niederhauser scored 16 points, while Jordan Miller contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds, his first career double-double offering valuable minutes in the paint and on the boards. Their efforts helped compensate for the absence of Ivica Zubac (ankle) and John Collins (groin) — both sidelined yet managed by the coaching staff effectively.
Wizards Rally, But Clippers Pull Away
Though the Wizards struggled early, Washington mounted a 30-13 third-quarter run, driven by guard Kyshawn George’s 23 points, that trimmed the Clippers’ lead down to 83-81 with just over three minutes left in the period. The rally highlighted Washington’s counterattack ability — sparked by George’s scoring bursts and strong efforts from Khris Middleton (17 points) and Marvin Bagley III (15 points, 11 rebounds) — but it ultimately wasn’t enough to reclaim control.
As the fourth quarter dawned, Los Angeles regained offensive rhythm. Leonard scored 11 consecutive points, including an electrifying three-pointer late in the period that pushed the Clippers ahead by double digits and effectively put the game out of reach for the Wizards. Harden continued to facilitate, finding cutters and spot-up shooters while maintaining pressure at both ends of the court.
Clippers Turnaround Story Continues
The victory represented a major milestone in the Clippers’ season arc. After a 6–21 start, Los Angeles has flipped the script, now playing 11–2 since Dec. 20 and climbing back toward respectability in the Western Conference standings. The team’s current four-game win streak has fans and analysts alike reconsidering the Clippers as a legitimate threat in a stacked Western field.
Veteran leadership has played a central role in this resurgence. Kawhi Leonard’s measured excellence — especially while managing limited minutes to protect his health — continues to propel the team. James Harden’s experience and versatility in late-game situations have been invaluable, providing both clutch scoring and seasoned guidance for younger players experiencing increased roles.
Wizards Face Ongoing Challenges
For the Washington Wizards, the loss continued a difficult stretch. The team fell to 10–29, marking yet another road defeat and extending its search for consistency. Continued roster upheaval has left Washington trying to rediscover stability; recent trades and injuries have shuffled roles and minutes, with Trae Young still sidelined and expected back only after the All-Star break.
Wizards center Alex Sarr was ejected in the second quarter after receiving two technical fouls, a momentum-shifting moment that diminished Washington’s interior presence and disrupted its early game plan. Young’s absence and the roster’s lack of depth have contributed heavily to Washington’s struggles, especially against experienced playoff-caliber opponents like the Clippers.
Despite the setbacks, bright spots do emerge. Kyshawn George’s energetic scoring outburst and Middleton’s steady contributions reflect a team still searching, experimenting, and trying to coalesce. Marvin Bagley’s double-double demonstrated that Washington isn’t completely outclassed inside, and guard development across the roster hints at future promise as the franchise moves forward.
Clippers Look Forward
Los Angeles will aim to carry the good vibes into a road game against the Toronto Raptors later this week, while the Wizards prepare to meet the Sacramento Kings as part of their challenging road trip. For the Clippers, the win reinforces a belief that — even shorthanded — they can outscore and outmaneuver teams with greater health, size, or veteran status.
Fans have responded enthusiastically on social forums, noting the team’s progress and urging continued development — especially around bench growth and late-game defensive consistency as the season pushes forward.
Whether this win becomes a turning point or merely a highlight in a season full of ups and downs, the Clippers’ performance on Wednesday night showed a blend of scoring punch, strategic poise, and depth that could serve them well in the games ahead.
