Kawhi Leonard converted a go-ahead three-point play with 15.7 seconds remaining to lift the Los Angeles Clippers past the host Philadelphia 76ers 108-107 on Wednesday.
The Clippers trailed by 15 points in the first half and by nine in the fourth quarter before rallying.
Paul George had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Leonard added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers (45-27), who snapped a two-game losing streak. James Harden, a former Sixer, contributed 16 points and 14 assists.
Los Angeles’ Terance Mann scored 14 points while Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac had 11 apiece. Amir Coffey chipped in with 10.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers (39-34) with 26 points and eight assists, and he also pulled down seven rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Oubre Jr. had a chance to win the game but couldn’t get a shot off as the final buzzer sounded.
Philadelphia’s Buddy Hield scored 17 points, Tobias Harris added 14 and Mo Bamba had 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Maxey hit an 18-foot jump shot to open the fourth quarter and Harris made a 3-pointer from the corner as the Sixers grabbed an 84-75 lead.
Harden converted a difficult reverse layup and Leonard scored in the lane to close the Clippers within 91-89 with 6:27 remaining.
Leonard hit a short jump hook and the Clippers trailed 97-94 with 4:19 to go.
The Sixers built a 36-21 lead early in the second quarter. However, the Clippers chipped away and got within 40-31 when Harden dropped in a 3-pointer with 6:46 left in the half.
Oubre converted a three-point play and the Sixers led 45-35. The Sixers held a 50-46 edge at halftime thanks in large part to 11 points each from Maxey and Oubre. Philadelphia struggled from long distance prior to intermission, going 4-for-17.
Harden paced the Clippers with 11 before the break.
The Clippers came out aggressive in the third and took a 56-55 advantage when George hit a 3-pointer in the first two minutes.
Philadelphia responded with a quick run to go back ahead 61-56.
Leonard threw down a dunk with 3:27 left in the third and the Clippers led 67-66.
Maxey drove to the basket and scored, then followed with a 3-pointer to hand Philadelphia a 71-67 advantage.
Hield scored the Sixers’ final eight points for a 79-75 lead at the end of the third.
–Field Level Media
