In the first home game of 2025, the LA Clippers demolished the Atlanta Hawks, 131-105, taking a 1-0 lead on the season series. More importantly, franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard made his regular season debut, scoring 12 points in 19 minutes with three three-pointers.
Additionally, former second-round pick Terance Mann also returned after being sidelined for over a month. Though he only played 16 minutes, Mann scored 12 points on 100% efficiency. These numbers indicate nothing but optimism, as he struggled for the Clippers prior to Atlanta.
Head coach Tyronn Lue drew up a near-perfect scheme against the Hawks, orchestrating Leonard’s minutes perfectly with the rest of the rotation. This allowed the Clippers to build a lead and ultimately come out on top.
Conversely, the Clippers’ defense faced a bit of trouble in defending three-time all-star Trae Young. He posted 20 points and 14 assists with several flashy passes in 34 minutes.
Offensively, the Clippers did a phenomenal job combatting Young’s prowess and fighting back. They eliminated any momentum building for Atlanta and eventually seized their chance to soar in the second quarter.
The LA Clippers ran away with victory in the second quarter, where nearly every shot seemed to fall in the basket.
Following a one-point differential in the first frame of action, the LA Clippers scored an absurd 45 points in the second, leading Tyronn Lue to his 20th win. For approximately seven minutes in the second quarter, the Clippers propelled to a 31-7 run and increased their lead to 20 points by halftime.
Similar to several battles in the past, star big man Ivica Zubac crowned himself with the game MVP. He commanded the painted area on both sides of the ball with 18 points and 18 rebounds in 32 minutes.
Despite a poor 3-9 shooting performance from former MVP James Harden, he ended the night with 15 assists and a +/- of +10. He made it easier for Zubac to control the paint as he continuously fed the seven-footer with pocket passes only he could attain.
The three-level scorer Norman Powell also contributed to the blow-out win. He concluded with 20 points, four rebounds, and a team-high +/- of +28. These numbers add to his long list of 20-point performances this season.
That said, the Clippers battle against the Timberwolves for their next context. Although Minnesota has always been a challenge, Lue will have a relatively healthy roster to utilize.