Clippers Prevail in Back-and-Forth Affair With Jazz

Kawhi Leonard (2) of the LA Clippers controls the ball against Collin Sexton (2) of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2022. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Norman Powell totaled 30 points and Reggie Jackson scored 27 to help the host Los Angeles Clippers overcome the Utah Jazz 121–114 Monday night, Nov. 21.

Ivica Zubac contributed 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers, who gave up a 17-point lead and then erased a six-point, fourth-quarter deficit to win their third consecutive game.

Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 26 points and Lauri Markkanen amassed 25 points and 10 rebounds as Utah lost while playing its third game in four nights against one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

Norman Powell (24) of the LA Clippers is fouled by Walker Kessler (24) of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2022. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Jazz, who trailed by 10 at halftime, erased the Clippers’ lead and went ahead 89–84 in the third thanks to a 19–4 surge.

This back-and-forth contest then took another pendulum swing as the Clippers began chipping away at Utah’s lead. Los Angeles used an 18–6 push to rebuild a double-digit lead at 117–107.

Utah showed its resilience once again, scoring five in a row to tighten things up in the final minute. For a moment, the scoreboard showed that the Jazz pulled within three at 117–114, but the Clippers successfully challenged a blocking foul on Amir Coffey.

Instead of having a chance to cut the Clippers’ lead to two, the Jazz lost possession and had two points taken off the scoreboard after Horton-Tucker was charged with an offensive foul.

Utah was still within striking distance in the waning moments, but Malik Beasley missed a 3-pointer and Coffey then sealed the Clippers’ win with two free throws for a seven-point lead with 19.2 seconds left.

Both teams were missing key players.

Paul George, who scored 34 points in a home loss to Utah two weeks ago, was held out with a right hamstring tendon strain. The Jazz played without starting point guard Mike Conley, who suffered a popliteus strain in his left leg in Saturday’s win at Portland.

Kawhi Leonard played for the third game in a row after returning from his knee injury, finishing with eight points and five assists in a limited 23 minutes. John Wall chipped in with 13 points and eight assists but also committed eight turnovers.