CHICAGO — The Clippers spent the fourth quarter trying to shake the Bulls, but they couldn’t secure a victory until Kawhi Leonard delivered in the clutch again.
Leonard scored 33 points and produced a key steal and the game-clinching free throws in the waning seconds to help the Clippers beat the Chicago Bulls, 108-103, on Tuesday night.
Norman Powell had 27 points, and Paul George added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers, who have won six of seven games.
Nikola Vucevic had 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Bulls, who dropped the opener of their four-game homestand. DeMar DeRozan added 20 points and Zach LaVine finished with 18 points and 14 boards.
The Clippers led 85-84 after three quarters and never trailed in the fourth but Chicago stayed within striking distance until the end. With the Clippers ahead 106-103, Leonard stole the ball from LaVine and made both free throws with 5.2 seconds left to shut the door.
Chicago had 20 turnovers, two off its worst mark of the season.
The Clippers trailed by as many as 19 points midway through the second quarter but went to halftime down just 58-54 thanks to a 16-2 run in the final minutes.
Ivaca Zubac finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers. Leonard added five assists and five steals.
TIP-INS
Clippers: George and Leonard returned after both were held out of Sunday’s loss in Cleveland with knee soreness.
Bulls: LaVine drew a foul at the top of the key from Powell with 1: 03 left but missed the first two of three free throws to keep the Bulls behind, 104-103. … DeRozan had a career-worst eight turnovers.
UP NEXT
The Clippers play the fourth game of their six-game road swing on Thursday night at Milwaukee.
More to come on this story.
