NBA: Kawhi Leonard, Clippers cruise to win over Wizards

Kawhi Leonard recorded 31 points and nine rebounds through three quarters to fuel the visiting Los Angeles Clippers to a 125-109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

Leonard added four assists and four steals before sitting out the fourth quarter for the Clippers, who overcame the absence of Paul George (left groin soreness) to post their 23rd win in the past 28 games.

Los Angeles' James Harden collected 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals.

Amir Coffey scored 17 points, Norman Powell had 14 and Brandon Boston Jr. added 12 for the Clippers, who outscored Washington by a 40-19 margin in the third quarter.

Los Angeles shot 47 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range. The Clippers also held a 52-45 advantage in rebounds and 24-12 edge in fastbreak points.

Washington's Kyle Kuzma scored 23 of his 27 points in the first half, and he finished 11-for-22 from the floor.

Rookie Bilal Coulibaly scored 19 points, Corey Kispert had 16 off the bench and Deni Avdija added 13 for the Wizards, who saw their modest two-game winning streak end. Washington's Jordan Poole and Landry Shamet sat out due to non-COVID illnesses.

Los Angeles, up by six at halftime, scored the first nine points of the third quarter and 21 of the first 27 to extend its lead to 87-66. Coffey sank a 3-pointer to open the run before Harden converted from beyond the arc and finished a three-point play during the surge.

Marvin Bagley III (10 points) recorded an offensive rebound and putback to trim Washington's deficit to 98-79 with 2:02 to play in the third quarter. Los Angeles' Russell Westbrook had a dunk on the ensuing possession to ignite an 8-0 run to end the quarter.

The Wizards responded by scoring the first five points in the fourth quarter to shave their deficit to 106-84. Boston, Powell and Harden each sank a 3-pointer to halt the momentum, and the Clippers put it on cruise control from there.

--Field Level Media/Reuters