The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Golden State Warriors 114-101, overcoming a 17-point deficit. The game took place on Monday night.
Garland’s Debut and Injury Scare
Darius Garland, in his Clippers debut, scored 12 points. He came off the bench to play nearly 23 minutes. Garland’s debut was his first game since being acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline last month in a deal that sent James Harden to the Cavaliers.
Garland had been nursing a toe injury. He then went down with 1:26 left in the second quarter after a collision with Moses Moody when they both went for a loose ball. Moody’s right shoulder appeared to get Garland in the face. Both players were shaken but stayed in the game.
Garland’s 3-pointer with 3:09 left in the third pulled the Clippers within 75-68. Kris Dunn then had a steal and layup to make it a five-point game. Los Angeles was within 79-77 going into the final 12 minutes.
Podziemski’s Performance in Warriors’ Loss
Brandin Podziemski scored 22 points for the Warriors. Stephen Curry was sidelined for an 11th straight game with a right knee injury. Big man Kristaps Porzingis was out for his fifth consecutive contest because of an illness coach Steve Kerr called “mysterious.” Rookie Will Richard was in a walking boot for his sprained right ankle he hurt in Saturday’s blowout home loss to the Lakers.
Podziemski hit eight of his initial 12 shots with three 3-pointers for his second career 20-point half. However, he went 1 for 6 for two points after the break.
Al Horford added 17 points for Golden State. The Warriors have lost five of seven and nine of 14.
Clippers’ Victory Fueled by Leonard and Dunn
Kawhi Leonard had 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Clippers. Dunn finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Clippers.
Los Angeles used a 9-4 spurt to start the fourth quarter and go ahead 88-81. The Clippers shot just 9 for 31 from 3-point range.
Looking Ahead
The Clippers host Indiana on Wednesday. The Warriors are at Houston on Thursday to begin a three-game trip.