This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and Paul George made a dynamic duo, combining for 54 points to lead their team to a 114-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks on November 26, 2019.
Leonard, the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player last season, had 28 points and eight rebounds, while George added 26 points and six steals. The Clippers improved to 13-5, 2.5 games behind the Western Conference leaders, the Los Angeles Lakers.
"It's scary now. We're getting this thing rolling," George said. "We just want to hoop."
The Clippers stretched their win streak to six games, while the Denver Nuggets also extended their winning streak to six games with a 117-104 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Leonard and George, who played together for only the fourth time this season, showed what they could do after just a week of practice and being healthy. George had been sidelined by shoulder surgery until mid-November, while Leonard was out with a knee bruise.
The Clippers' bench, led by Lou Williams' 21 points, outscored the Dallas reserves 44-37. George scored 17 points in the first quarter, hitting four 3-pointers, and the Clippers jumped ahead 34-27 after the opening period.
Leonard made 5-of-7 shots in the second quarter for 13 first-half points as the Clippers surged ahead 62-46 at halftime. The Clippers led 93-78 entering the fourth quarter and stayed in command to the finish.
