The Los Angeles Clippers collected their third consecutive victory on Wednesday night, defeating the Toronto Raptors by 25 points in Inglewood. The win keeps L.A. three games behind Phoenix for the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference and a half-game ahead of No. 9 Portland.
Garland keeps momentum
Recently acquired guard Darius Garland paced the offense with 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding six assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block in 30 minutes. Since debuting for the Clippers on March 2, the two-time All-Star is averaging 21.1 points, 6.8 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting .506 from the field, .512 from three-point range and .826 at the foul line over 11 games.
“You see that he’s enjoying the game and he’s just loving it,” Kawhi Leonard said after the win. “I’m enjoying it and playing with him.”
Leonard extends scoring streak
Leonard contributed 27 points, six rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes, marking his 49th straight game with at least 20 points. The 34-year-old forward credited “consistency” for the run, saying it helps build “championship habits.”
Jackson seizes backup role
With rookie center Yanic Konan Niederhauser sidelined by a season-ending foot injury, fifth-year big man Isaiah Jackson has become the primary reserve at center after arriving from Indiana in last month’s trade that sent Ivica Zubac to the Pacers. Head coach Tyronn Lue praised Jackson’s rebounding, defensive switching and ability to finish around the rim.
Zubac reflects on Clippers tenure
In a separate interview, Zubac looked back on his nearly eight seasons with the Clippers, noting the emotional toll of being traded just two days after becoming a father. According to league sources, injured Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had lobbied for the deal that brought Zubac to Indiana.
The Clippers continue their playoff push with their next game scheduled for Friday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
