Forget nail-biting finishes! The Los Angeles Clippers dominated the Washington Wizards, securing their fourth straight victory. But was it all smooth sailing? Let's break down the game where Kawhi Leonard exploded for 33 points, leading the charge in a 119-105 win on Wednesday night, January 14, 2026.
Leonard's performance was a masterclass, complemented by James Harden's solid 22 points. The Clippers have been on a tear since December 20th, boasting an impressive 11-2 record after a shaky 6-21 start to the season. This remarkable turnaround begs the question: what exactly clicked for the Clippers to transform from underdogs to contenders?
Adding depth to the Clippers' victory, Yanic Konan Niederhauser contributed 16 points, while Jordan Miller showcased his all-around game with 11 points and 10 rebounds. But here's where it gets controversial... the Clippers achieved this win despite being shorthanded. Starting center Ivica Zubac was sidelined with an ankle injury, and starting forward John Collins was out with a groin issue. Even Leonard himself was on a minutes restriction due to an ankle concern, playing only 30 minutes. Imagine what they could accomplish at full strength! Despite the limitation, Leonard was incredibly efficient, sinking 7 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc.
On the other side of the court, Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 23 points, followed by Khris Middleton with 17. However, their efforts weren't enough to prevent a fourth consecutive loss for Washington, leaving them at 0-2 on their current four-game road trip. Marvin Bagley III posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but the Wizards are clearly struggling with a depleted roster.
And this is the part most people miss... The Wizards' woes extend beyond just these injuries. Recent trades that sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert packing have left gaping holes in their lineup. New addition Trae Young is also currently sidelined with knee and quad issues and won't be reevaluated until after the All-Star break. To add insult to injury, center Alex Sarr was ejected late in the first half after receiving two technical fouls. Some might argue that the Wizards' front office is making questionable decisions, hindering the team's progress. What are your thoughts?
The Clippers established their dominance early, leading 37-22 after the first quarter and stretching their advantage to 20 points at 54-34 in the second. Although the Wizards mounted a comeback, going on a 30-13 run to close the gap to 83-81 in the third quarter, Leonard's clutch performance in the fourth, including scoring 11 consecutive points, sealed the victory for Los Angeles. His three-pointer with 6:14 remaining extended the Clippers' lead to 110-95.
Looking ahead, the Wizards will face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Clippers will travel to Toronto to take on the Raptors, also on Friday night. Will the Wizards be able to turn things around? And can the Clippers maintain their winning streak on the road? Let me know your predictions in the comments below!
