The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Washington Wizards, 102-93, at crypto.com Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Clippers (18-14) had to rely on their star player, Kawhi Leonard, to grind out a win against a Wizards (11-19) team that proved to be more complicated than originally expected. Indeed, the game was complicated for the for the Clippers at the start, as the Wizards raced out to a 28-20 lead following the first quarter. However, the Clippers showed signs of life just before the break, and they won the second quarter by a 30-29 score. The Clippers would continue with that momentum and they reduced the deficit to just three points following a 22-18 score in the third quarter, but they wouldn't take the lead until the final 12 minutes of the game. Tightening things up defensively and relying on Kawhi letter on the other end of the court, the Clippers outscored the Wizards by a 30-18 score the final 12 minutes of action. allowing them to secure the victory. Aside from sweeping the regular-season series between the two, the Clippers also moved to 10-7 at home while the Wizards fell to 3-12 on the road.

Kawhi Leonard was the star of the game for the Clippers, as he finished with a season-high 31 points but also included nine rebounds and three steals. Marcus Morris had 10 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while John Wall had nine points, six assists and three rebounds as a starter. Luke Kennard looked very good off the bench and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Terance Mann and Amir Coffey finished with 10 points apiece off the bench.

Kristaps Porzingis was the best player for the Wizards with 29 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Deni Avdija ended with 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Kyle Kuzma had 17 points and six rebounds, and Monte Morris delivered 12 points, five assists and three rebounds across 31 minutes. Will Barton had a strong game off the bench and finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes.