The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-117 Tuesday night as Paul George scored 18 of his season-high 38 points in the fourth quarter leading them to their ninth win in 11 games.
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden added 16 points apiece to complete a big day for the franchise.
Earlier, Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the 2026 All-Star Game will be held at the Clippers’ under-construction arena in Inglewood, where they begin play next season.
Jalen Williams scored 25 points, while Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both contributed 19 points for the Thunder, the second-ranked club in the West that has dropped two in a row after winning nine of 12 coming into Los Angeles.
With a 3-pointer from Williams, the Thunder, who had trailed by 13 points in the third quarter, came roaring back to lead 115-114, the National Basketball Association (NBA) reported.
George took over and scored 11 of the Clippers’ final 14 points, ending a back-and-forth game with two 3-pointers and a steal, showcasing his empathetic end to the game.
The Thunder scored a 9-0 run in the third, followed by a 20-12 run by the Clippers, securing a 99-89 lead going into the fourth, thanks to consecutive 3-pointers by Daniel Theis and Norman Powell.
Meanwhile, Clippers centre Ivica Zubac missed his second straight game with a right calf strain, awaiting a re-evaluation in a month. Mason Plumlee had 14 points in his first start of the season in Zubac’s place.
The Thunder are now prepping to face the Utah Jazz on Thursday while the Clippers are set to host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
