Paul George scored 26 points, Kawhi Leonard broke a season-high with 256 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the NBA-leading Boston Celtics 113-93 on Monday.
Leonard also added six assists, in one of his best games ever in a season that saw him sidelined after returning from anterior cruciate ligament surgery that took him all the way off last season.
Jaylen Brown scored 21 points to lead the Celtics, who have lost two straight for the second time this season. They had won eight of 10, including Saturday’s loss to Golden State. Jayson Tatum had 20 points, well below his 30 average, and 11 rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon had 18 points off the bench.
The visit of the Celtics attracted fans and created a playoff atmosphere. Boston fans turned out to be the same shade of green as Marcus Smart’s hair. But it was the Clippers who made themselves heard.
Los Angeles used some great offenses and solid defense to control the half and lead 56-47 at halftime.
Leonard and George went on the offensive early in the third. They each hit a 3-pointer and combined for 13 straight points to extend the lead to 69-57. Luke Kennard came off the bench and went on another 7-0 run, hitting a 3-pointer before John Wall’s field goal to put the Clippers up 88-72 going into the fourth quarter.
George and Leonard combined for seven straight points in the quarter, and Kennard continued to score, extending the lead to 104-80.
The biggest celebration came when Smart missed a couple of free throws, granting fans free chicken sandwiches. Smart finished with three points and five fouls.
