Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots as Utah Jazz heart Walker Kessler defends in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers heart Ivica Zubac drives previous Utah Jazz heart Walker Kessler in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, heart, makes an attempt a layup between Clippers heart Ivica Zubac, proper, and guard Kris Dunn in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, left, speaks to guards Norman Powell, heart, and Kris Dunn in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers ahead Kai Jones, left, tries to steal the ball from Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers star James Harden seems to be to shoot a free throw in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers heart Ivica Zubac seems to be to shoot as Utah Jazz heart Walker Kessler defends in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, proper, scores on a layup as Clippers heart Ivica Zubac defends in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers heart Ivica Zubac seems to be up on the scoreboard in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz heart Walker Kessler rebounds the ball in entrance of Clippers heart Ivica Zubac in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers star James Harden reacts to a Utah Jazz foul in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen makes an attempt a layup in entrance of Clippers guard Norman Powell, far left, and teammate Kyle Filipowski, proper, in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers guard James Harden drives as Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton defends in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Harden scored 24 of his 41 factors within the first quarter and the Clippers overwhelmed the Jazz, 144-107. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton drives to the basket as Clippers guard Kris Dunn defends in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy, proper, reacts to a play on the sidelines behind Clippers coach Tyronn Lue in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton reacts after getting fouled in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Clippers on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers guard Norman Powell reacts after hitting his hand in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, heart, makes an attempt a shot between Clippers heart Mo Bamba, left, and guard Kevin Porter Jr., proper, in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers heart Ivica Zubac, left, dunks the ball previous Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz large man Walker Kessler reacts to an official’s name in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Clippers on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers heart Ivica Zubac reacts in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen drives previous Clippers guard Kris Dunn in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers star James Harden gestures after making a 3-point shot in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
The Utah Jazz’s John Collins, left, reacts as he’s fouled whereas taking pictures by Clippers guard Norman Powell in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz ahead John Collins reacts in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Clippers on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Rehabbing Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, heart, watches from the bench throughout their 144-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, left, reacts after being fouled by Clippers guard Amir Coffey in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
The Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George reacts as his shot is blocked by Clippers heart Mo Bamba, left, in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, proper, and Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr., entrance left, scramble to seize the ball in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers star James Harden reacts after getting hit within the eye in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz ahead John Collins seems to be to move the ball whereas laying on the courtroom in the course of the first half of their sport in opposition to the Clippers on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers guard Jordan Miller (11) blocks a shot by Utah Jazz ahead Brice Sensabaugh, proper, in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers guard Kris Dunn grabs a rebound in the course of the second half of their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Utah Jazz ahead Kyle Filipowski drives previous Clippers ahead Kai Jones in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers star James Harden, left, shoots the ball as Utah Jazz ahead John Collins defends in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers ahead Kai Jones, left, knocks the ball away from Utah Jazz ahead Brice Sensabaugh (28) in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey scores on a layup in entrance of Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz ahead Kyle Filipowski dunks the ball in the course of the second half of their sport in opposition to the Clippers on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. defends a move to the Utah Jazz’s John Collins in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers heart Ivica Zubac grabs a rebound in entrance of Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey shoots a jumper in entrance of the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Filipowski (22), Brice Sensabaugh (28) and Johnny Juzang (33) in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson seems to be up on the scoreboard in the course of the second half of their blowout loss to the Clippers on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers guard Bones Hyland drives to the basket previous the Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson reacts to a Clippers foul in the course of the second half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
Clippers star James Harden warms up earlier than their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers heart Ivica Zubac walks on the courtroom earlier than their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
Clippers star James Harden walks on the courtroom earlier than their sport in opposition to the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
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Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots as Utah Jazz heart Walker Kessler defends in the course of the first half on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (AP Picture/William Liang)
INGLEWOOD — “What up? What up, what up?” Kawhi Leonard mentioned casually, holding a plate of meals as he strolled by the Clippers’ locker room.
It’s the query so many have been asking. What’s up with the Clippers’ rehabbing celebrity?
Leonard has not performed within the staff’s first 27 video games whereas he works to beat irritation in his proper knee. He was on the bench once more Monday night time because the Clippers rolled over the Utah Jazz, 144-107, to snap a three-game shedding streak on the Intuit Dome.
Whereas the reply surrounding Leonard continues to be murky, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue shed some mild on the state of affairs. He mentioned there’s a likelihood Leonard might journey with the staff for the Clippers’ two-game journey to Dallas later this week.
“That hasn’t been decided but, so we’ll see going ahead after tonight,” Lue mentioned earlier than Monday’s sport. “Tomorrow, (we’ll) get an opportunity to reassess every little thing and … see what occurs.”
The truth that there’s any likelihood the six-time All-Star would be a part of his teammates for his first street sport this season signifies a sooner-than-later return, although Lue wouldn’t give a concrete timeframe or any additional particulars on Leonard’s long-awaited return.
“I don’t need to say the flawed factor, so I don’t know,” Lue mentioned, including solely that Leonard has progressed very properly. “Yep. Progressed very properly.”
The staff has been tight-lipped about Leonard’s standing this season, saying issues resembling he’s checking the correct packing containers, or he must be 100% earlier than he returns. Lue’s feedback have been the clearest indication but that the two-time NBA Finals MVP is inching nearer to enjoying once more.
The prospect of getting Leonard again didn’t get by James Harden, who mentioned he seems to be ahead to that day.
“I feel we’re going to be extra excited to have him when he may be in full observe,” Harden mentioned. “We don’t actually have contact practices, however we just do full-contact practices within the sport. So, he’s inching his means again in direction of the courtroom and (he can) take his time. Every time he’s prepared, we’re prepared for him.”
The Clippers (15-12), who got here into the sport having performed only one sport since final Sunday (Dec. 8), didn’t want Leonard to beat the Jazz (5-20) or submit their highest-scoring sport this season. That they had a wholesome Harden and Norman Powell.
Harden, who missed the sport in opposition to the Houston Rockets final Sunday due to a gentle groin pressure, confirmed no results of any lingering discomfort, scoring a game-high 41 factors on 10-of-17 taking pictures from the sector (7 for 11 from 3-point vary). Harden shot 12 for 14 on the free-throw line and had six assists.
It was Harden’s second 40-point sport this season, as he grew to become the ninth participant in franchise historical past to have a number of 40-point video games in the identical season. His first was a 43-point efficiency in opposition to the Washington Wizards on Nov. 27.
Powell poured in 29 factors, whereas Ivica Zubac had 19 factors and 12 rebounds within the lopsided victory.
“Having that point off was very priceless to get James again wholesome with DJ (Derrick Jones Jr.) being out,” Lue mentioned.
Jones is out for an additional week due to hamstring pressure.
Harden labored the shot clock down and closed the primary quarter along with his fifth 3-point basket – from 29 toes away – to offer the Clippers a 44-20 lead. He grew to become the primary participant to make seven 3-pointers and 11 free throws in a single half for the reason that 1996-97 season.
Harden scored 24 factors within the opening 12 minutes – second in franchise historical past behind solely Lou Williams’ 27-point third quarter in a January 2018 sport in opposition to Golden State – and added one other 10 within the second quarter to steer the Clippers to an 81-47 halftime benefit.
“He’s a employee,” Lue mentioned of Harden, “and once you’re enjoying 35, 36 minutes an evening, you bought to as you grow old, which you don’t like listening to me say, however you bought to have the ability to tailor it again a bit bit. Don’t overwork your self as a result of there’s a whole lot of video games, a whole lot of minutes.
“However he is aware of his physique. He works arduous each single day and (we’re) simply attempting to get him to choose his spots the place he can in the reduction of and do much less as a result of he’s enjoying a whole lot of minutes in these video games and so we simply need to make certain he’s wholesome all through, and he’s been doing a great job with that.”
The Clippers’ 81 factors within the first half was probably the most factors they’d scored in a half since they’d 82 in opposition to Washington in 2019, displaying what every week of relaxation can do for a staff that had been battling accidents.
The Clippers, like a number of different groups that didn’t advance to the knockout spherical of the NBA Cup, loved a number of days off.
“I like that Cup,” Lue jokingly mentioned. “Shoulda had it a very long time in the past.”
In a extra critical tone, Lue mentioned the layoff was essential for the Clippers to get their gamers wholesome because the schedule will ramp up once more after the vacations.
“To attempt to get guys again, it’s been actually good for us,” Lue mentioned. “It couldn’t occur at a greater time, so we’re simply utilizing as of late to verify we’re sensible, doing extra walkthroughs simply to verify we’re overlaying every little thing we have to get higher at on either side of the basketball. After which letting our guys recuperate so far as the accidents and little knick-knack issues right here and there.”
NOTES
Jordan Clarkson scored 20 factors, Lauri Markkanen added 17 and Collin Sexton had 15 for the Jazz, who misplaced their third consecutive sport and fell for the eighth sport of their final 9 contests. … The Clippers shot 63.4% from the sector within the first half and 59.8% (49 for 82) for the night time.
Rehabbing Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, heart, watches from the bench throughout their 144-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night time on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Picture by Harry How/Getty Pictures)
