Terance Mann scored 19 points to lead eight players in double figures, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Utah Jazz 131-102 on Friday night. This was the Jazz’s 11th consecutive loss. Kawhi Leonard couldn’t play due to a sore right knee, but the Clippers managed fine without him.
James Harden had his third triple-double of the season with 13 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds. Ivica Zubac scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Paul George added 14 points. The Clippers won back-to-back games, defeating Denver 102-100 on Thursday.
“We took care of business, we didn’t play around,” said George. “We just had force from the start of the game. We did a great job of just staying focused.” This was the first time since May 16, 2021, that the Clippers had eight players scoring in double figures.
Talen Horton-Tucker led Utah with 17 points off the bench, and Omer Yurtseven, who started in place of the injured Walker Kessler, had 12 points and seven rebounds. Utah’s bench outscored the starters 63-39.
The Clippers dominated from the start, leading 41-16 after the first quarter, shooting 74% from the field. Norman Powell hit his 150th 3-pointer off the bench, setting a franchise record. He finished with 18 points.
“Just challenged our guys to have the right approach to start the game,” said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “That’s what we talked about, validating our win from last night.” Harden played with the reserves in the second quarter, contributing to a 75-42 halftime lead with one of their six 3-pointers.
The Jazz outscored the Clippers 37-28 in the third quarter, but never got closer than 20 points. Powell closed the period with a 3-pointer, sending the Clippers into the fourth leading 103-79.
“Our defense has been holding us up,” Lue said. Both teams mostly played reserves in the fourth quarter as the arena emptied. Utah has lost 14 of 15 games while starting three rookies. The teams will play for the final time this season next week.
