LOS ANGELES, CA – Paul George’s stellar fourth-quarter performance, where he scored 18 of his season-high 38 points, propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a 128-117 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. This victory marks the Clippers’ ninth in their last 11 games, a testament to their rising form in the league.
The Clippers, buoyed by contributions from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who added 16 points each, had more reasons to celebrate as Commissioner Adam Silver announced the hosting of the 2026 All-Star Game at their new arena in Inglewood, where they will begin play next season.
The Thunder, currently the West’s No. 2 team, faced a setback with this loss, their second in a row after a strong run of nine wins in 12 games prior to their LA visit. Jalen Williams led the Thunder’s scoring with 25 points, while Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each chipped in with 19 points.
The game saw a dramatic shift in the third quarter when the Thunder, overcoming a 13-point deficit, surged ahead 115-114 on Williams’ 3-pointer. However, Paul George’s commanding presence in the final stretch was pivotal for the Clippers. George’s 11 points in the closing moments, highlighted by two 3-pointers and a stunning steal-and-dunk sequence, underscored his impact as a game-changer.
The Thunder had briefly narrowed the gap to 79-77 in the third quarter, fueled by a 9-0 run featuring Isaiah Joe’s 3-pointers. Nonetheless, the Clippers responded assertively with a 20-12 run, capped off by Daniel Theis and Norman Powell’s consecutive 3s, to enter the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead.
In the absence of center Ivica Zubac, sidelined with a right calf strain, Mason Plumlee stepped up in his first start of the season, contributing 14 points in place of Zubac, who is set to be re-evaluated in a month.
Looking ahead, the Thunder aim to bounce back as they face the Utah Jazz on Thursday, while the Clippers gear up for a significant matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
