Los Angeles Clippers Defeat Miami Heat 121-104

Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points in his return from injury, Paul George added 23, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the short-handed Miami Heat 121-104 for their third straight win. The Clippers opened the new year where they left off after going 11-2 in December for the West’s best record during the month. Leonard's dunk to open the fourth gave him 13,000 career points, and he had six rebounds and five assists before sitting down for the game’s final 5:43. Among those missing for Miami were Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, and Caleb Martin. The Clippers outscored Miami 14-8 to open the third and extend a one-point lead to 73-63. Harden and Terance Mann had five points each. George made back-to-back 3-pointers during a personal 8-0 run that restored their 10-point lead.