Clippers close with 22-0 run, overcome 18-point deficit to beat Nets 125-114

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 14 of his 21 points in the final five minutes and the Los Angeles Clippers overcame an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Brooklyn Nets 125-114 on Sunday.

The Clippers took their first lead on Leonard’s basket with 2:50 remaining. They closed with a 22-0 run, capped by Leonard’s 3-pointer from the corner, to win for the 10th time in 12 games.

James Harden led the Clippers with 24 points and 10 assists. Russell Westbrook added 23 points off the bench.


Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) dives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) dives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Mikal Bridges scored 20 of his 26 points in the first half for Brooklyn. The Nets were coming off an 18-point victory over the Lakers on Friday night.

CELTICS 116, ROCKETS 107

HOUSTON (AP) — Kristaps Porzingis scored 32 points and NBA-leading Boston beat short-handed Houston.

The Celtics improved to 33-10, rebounding from their first home loss of the season Friday night against Denver. Boston is 20-1 at home and 13-9 on the road.

Porzingis was 11 of 20 from the field and 6 of 11 from 3-point range. Derrick White had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Jayson Tatum scored 18 points. Dillon Brooks led Houston with 25 points.

Houston played without Fred VanVleet (lower back), Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle), Jeff Green (calf), Reggie Bullock (lower back) and Tari Eason (leg). Boston was without Al Horford (rest) and Jrue Holiday (right elbow sprain).

NUGGETS 113, WIZARDS 104

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 42 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists and defending champion Denver beat Washington.

Jokic was 15 of 20 from the field and made 12 of 14 free throws. Jamal Murray AND Michael Porter Jr. each had 19 points.

Tyus Jones had 15 points and 13 assists for Washington.


Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) pushes past Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith, left, as he drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) pushes past Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith, left, as he drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

MAGIC 105, HEAT 87

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 20 points and Orlando handed Miami its straight loss,

Wendell Carter Jr. added 17 points and nine rebounds and Franz Wagner, back in the lineup after missing eight games because of a sprained ankle, also had 19 points.

Bam Adebayo led Miami with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba