LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Clippers rolled to an impressive 131-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on January 5, 2025, marking the season debut of superstar Kawhi Leonard.
Norman Powell led the way for the Clippers, scoring 20 points and solidifying his role as the offensive leader. Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac added 18 points and 18 rebounds, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court. Kawhi Leonard, returning from injury, contributed 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting during his 19 minutes of playing time.
The game took on a celebratory tone for the Clippers as they welcomed back Leonard, who had missed the first 34 games of the season due to a right knee injury. Leonard’s return added extra electricity to the Crypto.com Arena, evident from his first shot—a 3-pointer from the left wing just over two minutes after the tip-off.
The Clippers took control early, establishing dominance with their solid shooting and defensive pressure. They led by as many as 27 points during the first half, effectively stifling any momentum the Hawks attempted to build. This victory improved the Clippers' home record to 12-2 since November 4, emphasizing their prowess on their home court.
On the Hawks' side, Trae Young was the standout performer, scoring 20 points and dishing out 14 assists. De’Andre Hunter also contributed significantly, adding 18 points. Despite their individual efforts, the Hawks struggled to keep pace with the Clippers, succumbing to their second consecutive loss within the Los Angeles area, having lost to the Lakers just the night before.
The Hawks had been hoping to capitalize on their success with players like Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic, noted for their versatility and scoring ability. Johnson was ruled out of the contest due to right shoulder inflammation, impacting the Hawks’ offensive strategy. Nevertheless, Bogdanovic was listed as probable to return, which could have helped the team regain some spacing on the court.
Although the Clippers celebrated the return of Leonard, it was also notable for the team's overall depth. Amir Coffey added 17 points, and Terance Mann provided 12 points after returning from injury himself. This depth allowed the Clippers to withstand any potential comeback attempts by the Hawks.
Throughout the match, the Clippers efficiently utilized their roster to maintain their momentum. They thrived, especially during the second quarter, where the lead ballooned and set the tone for the rest of the game. The Clippers' ability to stifle Hawks' scoring, combined with their sharp shooting performance, resulted in a comprehensive win.
Reflecting on the game, it’s clear the Clippers demonstrated growth and chemistry, which had been built through tough times earlier this season. Following the game, head coach Tyronn Lue expressed pride over his team’s performance and emphasized the importance of Leonard's return for the team's overall morale and performance going forward.
The Clippers will seek to build on this momentum as they look forward to their next games. Meanwhile, the Hawks will have to regroup and strategize to overcome the recent back-to-back defeats.