LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder Game Player Stats and Box Scores for February 22, 2024
The LA Clippers took on the OKC Thunder for the third and final time this season on Thursday. With the series tied at 1-1, both looked to win the head-to-head battle and gain a decisive advantage in playoff positioning. LA, which struggled in their last four games, hoped to get out of a mini-funk to beat the home team.
The Clippers kept the game close right from the start behind balanced scoring from their star-studded roster. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac provided the points. Paul George did not the scoreboard but he was important with his playmaking and defense.
Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder leaned on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren for the scoring burden. Both were already in double figures before the halfway mark of the second quarter.
"SGA" paced all scorers with 19 first-half points to tow the Thunder to a 61-59 halftime lead. Kawhi Leonard's late scoring binge earned him 12 points to back up Powell's 14 and lead the Clippers.
After a seesaw battle in the first 24 minutes of the game, the OKC Thunder's defense began to impose its will on the LA Clippers. Oklahoma steadily tightened the screws on the visiting team behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and timely contributions from his teammates.
Paul George continued to struggle and finished with 14 points on 6-for-16 shooting while Kawhi Leonard couldn't do much better. "The Claw" added eight second-half points to tally 20 for the game. Norman Powell came off the bench to provide a spark and ended up with 19 points.
The Thunder took care of business by having all five starters reach at least 12 points. Jalen Williams and Lu Dort scored several tough baskets when the LA Clippers' defense forced "SGA" to give up the ball.
Oklahoma's dominance was most visible on the break, demolishing the visitors by 30-10. Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey were determined not to let LA set up its halfcourt defense. It was the biggest difference in OKC's 129-107 victory on Thursday.
The Thunder's allowed them to win the series and improve their record to 37-17. They are now half a game ahead of the Clippers (36-17) for the second spot in the West.
LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder game player stats and box scores
LA Clippers game player stats
OKC Thunder game player stats