Norman Powell and James Harden each scored 24 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers sent the visiting Toronto Raptors to their third consecutive loss to start their five-game road trip, 105-103, on Saturday.
Powell scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, including a 3-pointer with 2:02 remaining that extended the Clippers’ lead to five points.
Los Angeles needed every bit of that advantage, as Toronto’s Immanuel Quickley scored five points in a 7-2 run that tied the game at 102 with 39 seconds to go in regulation.
Quickley had 12 points in the fourth quarter and matched Ochai Agbaji with a team-high 21. However, both players made a critical miscue down the stretch that opened the door for Los Angeles.
Agbaji fouled Powell, leading to a go-ahead free throw with 36 seconds left. Quickley then missed a would-be, go-ahead layup on the Raptors’ ensuing possession. Harden and Powell each split a pair of foul shots in the closing seconds to help seal the win.
The Clippers extended their winning streak to four games.
Harden added 12 rebounds and a game-high seven assists. Kevin Porter Jr. came off the bench to register 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Ivica Zubac added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers. Zubac also blocked three shots and made two steals as Los Angeles limited Toronto to 42.1 percent (40-of-95) shooting from the floor.
The Clippers faced their own shooting struggles, finishing at 46.1 percent (35-of-76). However, they had a significant edge at the free-throw line, 25-of-32 to Toronto’s 12-of-21. Harden went 12-of-13 from the foul line.
Gradey Dick scored 15 for the Raptors, RJ Barrett added 13 and Chris Boucher had 14 off the bench. Jakob Poeltl grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked three shots.
–Field Level Media
