Key Takeaways:
- Kawhi Leonard delivered 35 points to guide the Los Angeles Clippers to a 117-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets
- James Harden scored 32, surpassing Shaquille O’Neal to move into ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list
- LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 25 points and nine rebounds despite their third defeat in four games
Match Analysis
The Los Angeles Clippers secured their fourth triumph in five outings as they overcame the Charlotte Hornets 117-109 at Inglewood on Monday night. Kawhi Leonard was the standout performer, amassing 35 points, including 20 in a third quarter where he sank five 3-pointers. James Harden contributed 32 points, breaking into ninth place on the NBA’s career scoring leaderboard by overtaking Shaquille O’Neal’s total of 28,596.
After trailing 100-99 midway through the fourth quarter following Tre Mann’s three-pointer, the Clippers launched a decisive 15-1 surge, spurred by eight points from Harden, to open up a 13-point cushion within four minutes. Although the Hornets responded with six straight points, reducing the deficit to 114-107 with 1:22 remaining, the Clippers maintained control in the closing moments.
CLIPPERS WIN!!! 👊 pic.twitter.com/lCrunOJRYu
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 13, 2026
Player Performance Breakdown
Leonard’s exceptional third quarter helped to turn the tide, while Harden impressed throughout the night, tallying 13 points in the opening half and then hitting a pivotal three-pointer early in the third period to cement his position among the NBA’s all-time great scorers.
For the Clippers, Jordan Miller posted 14 points and Ivica Zubac delivered a solid inside effort with nine points and 11 rebounds.
On the Hornets side, LaMelo Ball topped the scoresheet with 25 points and nine rebounds. Kon Knueppel contributed 18 points, Moussa Diabaté put up 13 points and pulled down 15 boards, Brandon Miller scored 13, and Miles Bridges registered 11.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | Clippers | 35 | 5 |
| James Harden | Clippers | 32 | 4 |
| Jordan Miller | Clippers | 14 | 1 |
| Ivica Zubac | Clippers | 9 | 11 |
| LaMelo Ball | Hornets | 25 | 9 |
| Kon Knueppel | Hornets | 18 | 5 |
| Moussa Diabaté | Hornets | 13 | 15 |
| Brandon Miller | Hornets | 13 | 6 |
| Miles Bridges | Hornets | 11 | 6 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Summary
James Harden started strongly, notching 11 points across the entirety of the first quarter on 3-of-7 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 from the foul line. His pace slowed in the second, adding only two on 1-for-7 shooting, as the Clippers edged ahead 45-43 at half-time. Leonard registered 10 points in the first half.
In the third, Leonard’s five triples and Harden’s playmaking pushed Los Angeles out in front. Even as Charlotte, led by Ball’s seven unanswered points, seized the lead twice late in the quarter, Miller’s layup just before the buzzer placed the Clippers up 86-84 entering the final period.
The Hornets briefly went ahead in the fourth quarter, but the Clippers’ 15-1 charge proved decisive.
Upcoming Fixtures
Charlotte continue their road stretch, next facing the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night in the third match of a five-game tour. The Clippers will complete their two-game homestand by hosting Washington on Wednesday night.
