INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard’s dramatic hook shot at the buzzer propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a narrow 111-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings during overtime on Sunday night, March 9, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. This thrilling win significantly tightened the Clippers' grip on eighth place within the Western Conference standings.
With just 21.6 seconds left on the clock, Leonard received the inbound pass from James Harden and held the ball for what felt like ages. He skillfully read the Kings' defense, eventually making his decisive move through the lane. The ball danced on the rim before finally dropping through the net, sending the home crowd roaring and securing Leonard 17 points for the night.
James Harden had a notable performance of his own, finishing the game with 29 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists, proving to be instrumental to the Clippers' success. Ivica Zubac chipped in with 22 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing the depth of the Clippers’ roster. Despite these efforts, the Kings were not to be underestimated, led by DeMar DeRozan, who notched 31 points and 10 assists, and Zach LaVine, who contributed with 30 points.
The game was not without drama, as the Kings held onto a seven-point lead late in the fourth quarter but could not maintain it. They blew the lead with only 1:40 remaining, allowing the Clippers to tie it up 97-97 thanks to Harden’s jump shot with 11.9 seconds left. LaVine attempted to win the game with a jumper as time expired but missed, leading to the five-minute overtime period.
Over the additional five minutes, the Clippers managed to outscore the Kings 14-13. The overtime session saw both teams scrapping for every point. The constant back-and-forth came to highlight each team's desperation to secure the win. The Kings relied heavily on DeRozan and LaVine, who combined to score all of the Kings’ points in overtime but fell short as the Clippers held their composure.
The overtime thriller also saw tactical changes, with Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue being replaced by assistant coach Brian Shaw prior to the game due to back pain. “He was just watching at home, not knowing how it was going to go,” Shaw recalled afterward. Despite Lue’s absence, he had faith in the squad, emphasizing their unity and determination to win.
“Just trying to run down the clock, get the last shot,” Leonard reflected on his mindset before taking the game-winner. “BShaw wanted me to shoot the last shot with the time expiring, and that's what was going through my process.” Shaw attributed the game plan to his decision at the last timeout when the team was down one center stage. “I told him to make sure he takes the last shot. So, win or lose, we’re going to go down having the ball last,” he remarked.
Throughout the contest, the long-range shooting was disappointing for both squads, with the Kings hitting just 9 of their 34 attempts from beyond the arc, and the Clippers only marginally faring worse at 10 of 31. LaVine, who had been shooting 62% from three-point range over his previous six games, suffered during regulation, missing all six attempts before finally hitting one in overtime.
Following this closely contested game, the Clippers reflected on the importance of securing victories as they chase playoff positioning. Currently, they stand at 35-29. Leonard expressed the sentiment of the team: “We need these wins down the stretch. I think this will help us be a more cohesive unit moving forward.” This victory marks their third consecutive win, showcasing their grit as they look to stabilize their playoff approach.
Looking forward, the Clippers will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, March 11, as they start a three-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Kings, sitting just behind the Clippers at ninth place, will host the New York Knicks the following day, March 10. Both teams aim to recapture momentum as the end of the regular season nears.
The night was heavily celebrated by Clippers fans, who celebrated not just the victory, but also Leonard's inspiring resilience and the team’s collective effort. It was evident as the team celebrated with enthusiasm following Leonard’s buzzer-beater, reaffirming their potential as they pursue their postseason ambitions.