Los Angeles Clippers’ Stars Shine in Latest Miami Heat Loss
The Miami Heat dropped their first game of 2024 121-104 to the Los Angles Clippers, a contest that saw Los Angeles’ star players take over.
Miami jumped out to a 35-22 lead in the first quarter. Kawhi Leonard was held scoreless and Paul George made just two of his four shots from the field in the first 12 minutes of action.
Slowly but surely the Clippers got back into the game, eventually taking a one-point lead before half. That Clippers lead grew even further and eventually culminated in the 17-point defeat that Miami suffered Monday night.
George and Leonard picked things up in the second quarter. Leonard collected 13 points before the half and George nailed his first of three triples. Both forwards continued to score in the second half as well. George scored 12 in the third quarter and Leonard kicked off the fourth quarter with back-to-back dunks. The two stars finished with 23 and 24 points.
Heat fans may be happy to hear that despite Monday’s poor defensive performance was not the norm. Miami has avoided allowing big games from star players recently. Utah’s All-Star, Lauri Markkanen totaled just 12 points in the Heat’s prior matchup. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson were held to just 13 points each in the first game of the road trip.
Miami faces two more stars in its next contest. The Heat face the Lakers on Wednesday who are led by Lebron James and Anthony Davis. Both stars are averaging more than 25 points.
