L.A. CLIPPERS GAME RECAPS FOR APRIL 9, APRIL 2, MARCH 23 & MARCH 7
CLIPPERS EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO 6 GAMES WITH A WIN AT HOME APRIL 9th OVER ROCKETS
by Jeff Zimerman - April 9, 2025
On April 9, 2025, a home game at the Intuit Dome, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a 134-117 victory over the Houston Rockets. The Clippers were playing their second game in a row on back-to-back nights. James Harden led the team with 35 points, while Ivica Zubac achieved his first career triple-double and the third by a center for the Clippers, contributing 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Kawhi Leonard returned after sitting out to rest his right knee, had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Nicolas Batum had 15 points before leaving the game with a sore right groin. The Clippers made all 10 of their free throws, including Harden going 10 for 10. Norman Powell missed the game because of right shoulder soreness.
This victory was the Clippers' sixth in a row and improved the Clippers' record to 48-32, placing them in a four-way tie for the fourth seed in the Western Conference alongside Denver, Golden State, and Memphis. The Clippers have been on a strong run, going 15-3 since March 5 and holding a 29-11 home record in the Intuit Dome.
As the Rockets had already locked up the No. 2 seed in the West, making their first playoff appearance since the 2020, they rested most of their starting lineup. This included Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun.
The Clippers have two regular-season games left, at Sacramento on Friday April 11 against the Sacramento Kings. On Sunday April 13 in San Francisco against the Golden State Warriors. They can get an automatic playoff berth and avoid the play-in tournament with wins. For more information and future updates on the Los Angeles Clippers, visit their official website at (https://www.clippers.com).
DOMINANT WIN BY CLIPPERS OVER PELICANS AT HOME APRIL 2
by Jeff Zimerman - April 2, 2025
On April 2, 2025, at home the Los Angeles Clippers secured a dominant 114-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Intuit Dome. This win improved the Clippers' record to 44-32, placing them in a three-way tie for sixth place in the Western Conference. The teams the Clippers are chasing for a top-six spot in the Western Conference standings keep winning. As of tonight's win, the Clippers remain a play-in team. The Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves all have identical 44-32 records, a half-game behind the fifth-seeded Golden State Warriors. The Clippers won for the ninth time in ten games, for the fourth time in five games and 12th in 15 games.
Key highlights included Bruce Bowen adding 16 points and Yves Missi grabbing 12 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 28 points, James Harden contributed a double-double with 21 points, 10 assists and three blocks. Ivica Zubac added 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in 16 points, including four three-pointers.
For the Pelicans who continue to struggle down the stretch, are 3 - 7 in their last 10 games. Jose Alvarado had 17 points and 10 assists, and Bruce Brown had 16 points.
The Clippers next game is Friday evening as they host the Dallas Mavericks.
For more information and future updates on the Los Angeles Clippers, visit their official website at (https://www.clippers.com).
OKLAHOMA THUNDER OVER CLIPPERS MARCH 23
By Jim Vatcher - March 23, 2025
On March 23, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a crucial 103-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome, despite facing some challenges. The Thunder were without All-Star Jalen Williams and their starting center, Chet Holmgren, but still managed to come out on top.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): Despite a tough shooting night, going 7-for-29 from the field, SGA still led the charge with 26 points. He also contributed 8 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability even when shots weren’t falling. His resilience played a big part in the win. ESPN.com
Aaron Wiggins added 19 points, providing a much-needed spark.
The Thunder’s depth, including contributions from newcomers, remains one of their strengths despite the absence of key players like Williams and Holmgren.
The Thunder’s solid defensive play and clutch free throws down the stretch gave them the edge, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sealing the victory with two free throws in the final seconds.
Los Angeles Clippers:
Kawhi Leonard was excellent in defeat, posting 26 points and 10 rebounds, but he struggled in crunch time with a tough fadeaway shot late in the game. Leonard was also at the center of the Clippers' last two-minute collapse, which included two turnovers that allowed the Thunder to come away with the win.
James Harden contributed 17 points and 8 assists, but his shooting woes (4-for-14) hampered the Clippers’ offensive flow.
The game came down to the wire, with the Clippers failing to convert in the final seconds despite having a chance to win. Norman Powell missed a 3-point attempt, and Leonard’s fadeaway didn’t fall. The Clippers’ late-game struggles, combined with the Thunder’s ability to execute in the clutch, handed the visitors a big win.
Additional Notes:
The Thunder were missing key players but still managed to pull off a significant victory, further solidifying their position as one of the favorites in the Western Conference heading into the playoffs.
Isaiah Hartenstein has been a solid addition to the team, providing valuable minutes off the bench and solidifying the Thunder's chances of making a deep playoff run.
Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 103, Los Angeles Clippers 101
With their strong performance despite key injuries, the Thunder's resilience and depth have made them a team to watch as they look to make a push for the Western Conference Finals.
For more on the Clippers, visit their official website here.
*Clippers Dominate Without Jalen: A March 7 Showdown*
by Marie Llug - March 7
The atmosphere inside the Intuit Dome was electric as fans gathered on the evening of March 7, 2025, eager to see the Los Angeles Clippers face off against the New York Knicks. Just a night prior, the Knicks suffered a tough loss against the Lakers, and the injury to their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, loomed over the team like a dark cloud. Brunson had sprained his ankle in that game, leaving him as a notable absence as the Knicks took the court against the Clippers.
As the game tipped off, the Clippers quickly established their dominance. Led by James Harden, Los Angeles came out hot, firing on all cylinders. The first quarter began with Harden showcasing his scoring ability, driving to the basket and hitting mid-range jumpers with ease. By the end of the quarter, the Clippers had built an early lead, fueled by Harden's offensive prowess.
The Knicks, battling the absence of their leading scorer, looked to their remaining players to carry the load. However, the Clippers’ defense, anchored by Ivica Zubac, was stifling. Zubac collected several rebounds while contesting shots, making it difficult for New York to find any offensive rhythm.
Entering the second half, the Clippers led 58–46. But the Knicks were not finished yet. They made a spirited run, trying to capitalize on the Clippers’ missed opportunities. A few fast breaks allowed New York to cut the lead to just five midway through the third quarter. The fans erupted in cheers, hoping their team could stage a comeback.
Yet just when it seemed like the Knicks might gain momentum, the Clippers responded. Harden continued to showcase his superstar abilities, scoring consecutive baskets along with contributions from Kawhi Leonard, who added valuable points. With Nicolas Batum having a great game, the offensive flow for the Clippers remained steady, allowing Los Angeles to pull away once again, finishing the third quarter ahead by 12 points.
As the final quarter began, the Clippers continued to flex their muscles. Although the Knicks fought back valiantly, trading baskets with Los Angeles, they ultimately struggled to execute down the stretch without Brunson’s playmaking.
Despite the Knicks' efforts, the Clippers' experience proved too much. With efficient ball movement and smart defensive plays, especially from Zubac, the Clippers sealed the game with a final score of 110–99.
**Game Stats:**
Los Angeles Clippers:
- James Harden: 27 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds
- Kawhi Leonard: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
- Ivica Zubac: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Nicolas Batum: 18 points, 6 rebounds
New York Knicks:
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 23 points, 11 rebounds
- Mikal Bridges: 22 points, 4 rebounds
- Josh Hart: 12 points, 20 rebounds
The win propelled the Clippers further up the Western Conference standings, demonstrating their resilience and the depth of their roster, even in the absence of a key player. The victory was a testament to their teamwork and determination as they looked to make a deep playoff run.
For more information on the LA Clippers, visit their official website at [www.clippers.com].