Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 21 points and four assists, Paul George and Russell Westbrook both added 19 points apiece as the Los Angeles Clippers routed the San Antonio Spurs 123-83 on Sunday evening at Crypto.com Arena.
The Clippers (2-1) bounced back after a tough 120-118 road loss against the Jazz on Saturday night after Westbrook missed a jump shot at the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime.
“It was a long two days for me. I was really upset. I don’t like to lose… I didn’t play the way I needed for our team and that was upsetting,” said Westbrook.
Los Angeles jumped out to an early 20-7 lead behind George scoring nine points and recording a career-best five steals in one period.
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“That’s who we always should have been with the defense on this team,” George said after the Spurs committed 25 turnovers.
Los Angeles had seven players finish in double figures. Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench and Ivica Zubac scored 16.
Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 14 points and Cedi Osman added 12 points off the bench.
Spurs (1-2) rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama finished with 11 points, five rebounds and two assists but shot 4-of-10 from the field while tallying five turnovers.
“I wouldn’t see any reason to be frustrated three games into the season, but it is a learning experience,” Wembanyama said.
“Everybody’s going to be physical with him and try to knock him off-balance,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “He’s got to get used to that.”
Wembanyama admitted he took the floor facing players he looked up to, also noting they are still his opponent.
“They’re my idols, but they’re still my opponent,” Wembanyama said on Leonard, George and Westbrook.
Individuals from the Clippers also acknowledged just how special of a talent the 19-year-old is and the skills he possesses.
“He’s a problem. Offensive rebounds, he gets behind the defense, his ability to handle the basketball… you know he’s a super talent,” Clippers coach Ty Lue said on Wembanyama.
“I think he got a deflection on Russ, not even guarding Russ but just back tip,” George said. “There are just certain plays that stand out where you’re like, ‘Wow.’ There’s only two guys maybe in the league that can do that.”
The Clippers were in control from start to finish and took a commanding 56-37 lead into halftime after Westbrook hit a three-pointer from the left corner just before the buzzer rang.
“I feel really, really good… I’m blessed to be moving, jumping as high, and as fast as anybody else in the league. I’m grateful for that, and I’m gonna use it till I don’t got it anymore,” said Westbrook.
Los Angeles outscored San Antonio 67-46 in the second half and led by as many as 41 points while cruising to their second win of the season.
“It sucks losing by 40 points,” Vassell said. “I feel like we played scared. We can’t play on our heels.”
The Clippers will next host the Orlando Magic (2-0) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and then face the Lakers (1-2) on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
