NBA --- Kawhi dominates as Clippers dispatch the Knicks 129-115
By Oliver Iglesias
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 02 Feb 2021
NEW YORK – Kawhi Leonard registered 28 points and went perfect (11-for-11) on free throws to lift the LA Clippers to a 129-115 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon at the Madison Square Garden.
Facing one of the best defensive teams in the Knicks, the Clippers relied on its prolific starters who all finished in double figures.
Guard Reggie Jackson chipped in 18 markers, All-Star Paul George added 17, newly-acquired center Serge Ibaka produced 15 and Patrick Patterson contributed 13 for the Clippers’ highest points total for the season. Veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. also joined the fray from the bench with 11 points.
The Clippers were leading by one at the half, 66-65, and wasted no time mounting a 7-0 attack to start the third quarter to make it 73-65.
Clipper Reggie Jackson scored 10 points in the said period highlighted by two 3-pointers, Kawhi Leonard was hitting his pull up jumpers and his emphatic dunk with 3:47 left made it 92-82.
The Knicks were led by Julius Randle with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Former Kentucky Wildcat and rookie Immanuel Quickley had 25 markers while sophomore guard RJ Barrett added 23.
Asked by reporters via Zoom on the Knicks’ team play, Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau reacted “I thought offensively it was good. Defensively, it’s not what we would have liked.”
The Clippers improve to 16-5, going 9-1 in their last 10 games and are now ranked first in the Western Conference. The Knicks dropped to 9-12.
The Clippers posted an impressive 54.3% on field goals (44-for-81) and 44.7% on three-balls (17-for-38 conversion) while the Knicks had 48.2% FG (41-for-85) and a measly 37% (10-for-27) on three-pointers.
Adapting to the “new normal” in covering today’s NBA games, this beat writer had the chance to participate in the post-game media conference via Zoom and observed the Clippers’ main man Kawhi Leonard. (Note: Special thanks to the respective Public Relations Teams of the Clippers and the Knicks for the coverage opportunity.)
Asked to comment on the 17 three-point bombs the Clippers drained during the game, Leonard humbly mentioned the essence of teamwork, “Every game, I mean with confidence. It is a team sport. Whoever has a good look gets the chance to shoot and if we do 44 or 45% and we win, it’s good.”
The Knicks visit Chicago on Monday while the Clippers stay to play against the Nets on Tuesday.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Oliver Iglesias.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Meet Jayr Raquinel: The Filipino Sensation Taking the Super Flyweight Division by Storm
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 10 Nov 2025NONITO DONAIRE HOPES TO BECOME TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Astrobio loses by TKO in 7th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025UNDEFEATED KNOCKOUT MONSTER VERGIL ORTIZ JR. DESTROYS ERICKSON LUBIN IN SECOND-ROUND
Sun, 09 Nov 2025Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Shields signs $8 million multi year contract with Salita Promotions
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 08 Nov 2025A TIBUTE TO VICTOR CONTE
Sat, 08 Nov 2025