The Los Angeles Clippers showcased their dominance by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 123-88 on March 16, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in California. The victory marked the team's third consecutive win and their sixth triumph over seven games. Highlighting this commanding performance was guard James Harden, who delivered with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kawhi Leonard also made significant contributions, scoring 23 points along with six rebounds and five assists.
Ivica Zubac had quite the game as well, posting 17 points, 14 rebounds, and achieving a career-high of eight assists. The Clippers extended their winning streak against the Hornets to 14 games, reinforcing their home dominance with 15 wins at home against Charlotte since 2010. Derrick Jones Jr. assisted with 12 points, rounding out the well-structured offensive effort as they handled the game effectively.
The return of Norman Powell, returning from injuries after sitting out 12 of the previous 13 games, was eagerly anticipated. Although he struggled on the court, scoring only seven points on 3-of-13 shooting, his presence was lauded by fans and teammates alike. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue noted the challenge of reintegrated players coming back after lengthy absences, saying, "It’s going to take you four or five games to kind of get your flow and get your rhythm." Nevertheless, Powell's teammates expressed confidence, emphasizing the importance of his contributions moving forward.
Despite Powell's lackluster performance, Harden's display was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 23 of his points during the first half, setting the tone for the Clippers' explosive start. The Clippers led 65-41 at halftime, having shot 52.2 percent from the field and efficiently hitting six of 10 from the three-point range. The team continued this momentum, leading by as much as 35 points late in the game.
On the other side, the Hornets showcased some bright spots with Mark Williams scoring 18 points, 15 rebounds, and supplying seven assists. LaMelo Ball also contributed with 16 points and five assists. Their efforts, though commendable, were not nearly enough to combat the Clippers’ overwhelming performance.
Reflecting on the game, Lue noted, "Just coming off a road trip like we did and we could have made every excuse in the world... they came out with a professional mentality." The team’s recent success can be attributed, according to Leonard, not just to the efficiency of individual players like Harden and Zubac but to improved teamwork and chemistry on the court.
"Getting guys back healthy, playing together, trusting each other, playing more defense than when we played [previously]... we’re kind of figuring it out. We got a good squad when we’re healthy," Zubac stated, expressing optimism about the remaining season.
The Clippers are gearing up for tougher matchups, facing strong teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Oklahoma City Thunder next week. The competition will be intense, but the Clippers' players believe they are up for the challenge.
Going forward, the Clippers will need to build on their current success and continue to focus on teamwork, efficiency, and cohesion as they strive for playoff positioning. With their current form and players like Harden, Leonard, and Zubac leading the way, there's cautious optimism among fans and the team alike about their prospects as they look to finish the season strong.
The focus now shifts to maintaining their performance and chemistry, ensuring they are prepared to face the competitive challenges of the upcoming games, rounded out by healthy rotations and strong offensive play.