Jan 12 min read

Clippers Cool Off Miami Heat in Kahwi Leonard's Return 121-104

Updated: Jan 15

(Game highlights from LA Clippers )

Kawhi Leonard locks in Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez. Photo by Sedny Arcilla@TangentZine

Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points on 10 of 19 shooting while adding six rebounds, five assists and four steals leading the LA Clippers in a methodical comeback against the Miami Heat, 121-104.

(Kawhi Leaonard makes a fade away shot over Jaime Jaquez. Photo by Sedny Arcilla/Tangent Zine)

The Heat played without their superstar Jimmy Butler who was ruled out for right foot irritation. Bam Adebayo led the visitors with 21 points, Kevin Love 17 points while rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 15 points.

(Miami Heat's "Juan Wick" Jaime Jaquez goes for a lay up. Photo: Sedny Arcilla/TangentZine)

The Clippers fans gave a warm Angeleno welcome to breakout Miami Heat rookie and homegrown talent Jaime Jaquez Jr. during the pregame introductions but went straight to business as the Clippers were down 14 early in the game.

(The Klaw shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. Photo by Sedny Arcilla/Tangent Zine)

Back from a 10 day lay off due to a hip contusion, Kawhi Leonard showed no signs of rust, turning the ball only twice against the Heat's disruptive zone defense. “You see him, you see the performance: Both ends of the ball, just elite,” said James Harden post game, who had 15 points and 10 assists. “Shot-making, defensively, just being active, creating opportunities in transition. We needed that, to get well and get better, and we missed him.”

(Video Highlights by LA Clippers)

BEASTBROOK MAKES HISTORY

(Russel Westbrook drives strong vs the Heat defense. Photo by Sedny Arcilla @ Tangent Zine)

Triple double king Russell Westbrook started the new year right by moving into 25th place passing Patrick Ewing on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He joins LeBron James and Oscar Robertson as the only three players in NBA history who are top-25 in points and top-10 in assists.

The Clippers will play the Phoenix Suns on the road on January 3 while the Miami Heat will play the Los Angeles Lakers on the same arena tomorrow at 7:00 PM PST.