NBA: Clippers jump out to big lead, hold Raptors at bay

Kawhi Leonard, Darius Garland, and Bennedict Mathurin combined for 74 points as the Los Angeles Clippers routed the visiting Toronto Raptors 119-94 on Wednesday in Inglewood, California.

Los Angeles (37-36) led nearly wire-to-wire, claiming their third consecutive win by jumping on Toronto early and never letting up.

The Clippers built a 14-point lead by the end of the first quarter, powered by a hot start from veteran center Brook Lopez, who scored 11 of his 14 points in the opening period. Los Angeles’ bench also contributed heavily, with Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and Nicolas Batum combining for the final 13 points of the first quarter and setting the tone for a total of 52 points from reserves. Mathurin led the second unit with 23 points, while Jackson added 12.

Toronto (40-32), finishing a 2-3 road swing, struggled to get within single-digit points, shooting just 40 of 96 from the floor. Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 18 points, and Jakob Poeltl added 10, but both were the only starters to shoot above 33%. RJ Barrett finished with 12 points, going 5 of 19 from the floor, including 0-for-7 from three-point range.

The Raptors made just 10 of 29 three-pointers compared to the Clippers’ 16 of 35. Garland was a key factor, sinking a game-high five three-pointers on nine attempts en route to 24 points, along with six assists and four rebounds.

Leonard led all scorers with 27 points, including a late mid-range two-pointer and three-pointer that helped close a 14-2 run in the fourth quarter, sealing Toronto’s fate. Lopez also contributed five rebounds, five blocks, and two steals, anchoring the Clippers’ defensive effort.

With the win, Los Angeles continues to gain momentum as they push toward playoff positioning.

—Field Level Media/Reuters