In an electrifying showdown on the basketball court, Kawhi Leonard delivered a stellar performance, propelling the Los Angeles Clippers to a decisive victory against the Chicago Bulls. His remarkable 28-point contribution not only secured a crucial win but also etched his name in the franchise's history books by matching a long-standing scoring record. This triumph underscores the Clippers' exceptional form in March, extending their winning streak and showcasing their prowess on their home turf.
Clippers Maintain Momentum with Leonard's Record-Tying Effort Against Bulls
On a pulsating Friday evening, March 13, 2026, at the magnificent Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the Los Angeles Clippers, fueled by the formidable Kawhi Leonard, triumphed over the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 119-108. Leonard's outstanding 28 points marked his 44th consecutive game scoring 20 points or more, an achievement that ties Bob McAdoo's single-season franchise record from the 1974-75 season, back when the team was based in Buffalo. This pivotal win pushed the Clippers' March record to an impressive 7-1 and extended their current winning streak to four games, further solidifying their dominant presence during their five-game homestand.
The Clippers' supporting cast also played a crucial role in their success. Bennedict Mathurin contributed a significant 26 points, while Jordan Miller added 14 points, bolstering the team's offensive firepower. Notably, Darius Garland was absent from the Clippers' lineup due to a toe injury, ahead of a back-to-back schedule that includes a Saturday home game against the Sacramento Kings. The Los Angeles squad demonstrated their strength on their home court, improving their homestand record to 3-0 and securing their fifth consecutive victory in their arena.
For the Chicago Bulls, Josh Giddey delivered a remarkable all-around performance, tallying 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 11th triple-double of the season. With his 29th career triple-double, Giddey surpassed the legendary Michael Jordan's career total in this statistical category. Tre Jones led the Bulls in scoring with 21 points, and Matas Buzelis added 18 points and 11 rebounds, as Chicago concluded their road trip with a 2-3 record.
The Bulls faced the game without several key players due to injuries, including Isaac Okoro (knee), Jalen Smith (calf), Jaden Ivey (knee), Collin Sexton (knee), and Anfernee Simons (hand). The game remained tightly contested, with the Bulls holding a narrow 79-78 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, the Clippers orchestrated a decisive 14-6 run, seizing a 92-85 lead heading into the final period.
Los Angeles extended their lead to as many as 14 points early in the fourth quarter. Although the Bulls mounted a comeback attempt, narrowing the deficit to 109-101 with 4:26 left after a layup from Jones, Mathurin ultimately sealed the Clippers' victory with a powerful dunk, establishing a commanding 117-106 lead with less than two minutes remaining.
In the first half, the Clippers established an early advantage, leading by as many as nine points and heading into halftime with a 63-57 lead. Despite shooting 4-of-13, Leonard still managed to contribute 14 points before the break. The Bulls, meanwhile, struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the opening half compared to the Clippers' four. By the end of the night, Chicago accumulated 15 turnovers, while Los Angeles maintained better ball control with only six.
The Clippers' recent performance, spearheaded by Leonard's consistent brilliance, signals a team hitting its stride. Their ability to secure wins even with key players sidelined, and to close out tight games with strong fourth-quarter performances, speaks volumes about their resilience and championship aspirations. As the season progresses, their impressive run in March will undoubtedly serve as a significant confidence booster.