The Los Angeles Clippers (10-21) extended their winning streak to four with an impressive 112-99 win over the Detroit Pistons (24-8) on December 29.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game:
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Kawhi Leonard LAC SF 55 PTS | 11 REB | 5 STL | 92.2 FPS
Kawhi stuffed the stat sheet, but he was even more impressive on offense, pouring in 26 points in the third quarter to finish with a new career high and his first 50-point performance. He also knocked down five threes and continued to be outstanding at the line, converting 16-of-17 for his only miss this month. He is now averaging 39 points over his last four games.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Cade Cunningham DET PG 27 PTS | 5 REB | 9 AST | 43.5 FPS
Cunningham was in foul trouble in the first half and went scoreless. But he took control in the second half and finished with at least 22 points for the sixth time in seven games while shooting 50% or better in four consecutive games. He continues to be one of the league’s top point guards this season, ranking 9th in total points and second in total assists.
SCORING MACHINES:
James Harden LAC PG 28 PTS | 4 REB | 7 AST | 40.3 FPS
Harden struggled on offense but converted 11 free throws for the third straight game and scored 28 points in each game during that span. He’s been a steady contributor this month, averaging 23 points on nearly 45 percent shooting from the field while adding close to seven assists and two steals per game.
Jaden Ivey DET SG 11 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST | 22.1 FPS
Ivey has reached double-figures in scoring thrice in his last four games. He’s been making a steady impact in recent games and should be poised for more minutes.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Jalen Duren DET C 18 PTS | 14 REB | 1 BLK | 39.8 FPS
Duren delivered again offensively, posting his fifth 17-point outing in his last six games. He also continues to be a force on the boards, recording his 18th 10+ rebound game and ranking 5th in total rebounds this season.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Ausar Thompson DET SF 6 REB | 2 STL | 1 BLK | 21.7 FPS
Thompson struggled on offense but compensated on the defensive end, posting his fourth consecutive and 19th 5-rebound game of the season. He currently ranks second in the team in steals this season.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Nic Batum LAC PF 12 PTS | 4 3PM | 4 REB | 21.3 FPS
Batum converted at least 3 threes for the fourth time this year and finished with his best scoring performance. He’s shooting at 39.3% from deep this season.
THE X-FACTOR:
Brook Lopez LAC C 7 REB | 2 STL | 1 BLK | 25.4 FPS
Lopez was coming off a scorching 31-point and 9 threes performance in their win against the Blazers. While he couldn’t sustain the momentum offensively, he compensated with positive contributions in both rebounding and blocking. He’s posted at least 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in his previous three games.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Isaiah Stewart DET C 8 PTS | 4 REB | 2 BLK | 17.8 FPS
Stewart has recorded multiple blocks for the fifth time in his last six games. He ranks 3rd this season in total blocks.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Duncan Robinson DET SF 5 PTS | 4 REB | 1 BLK
Robinson has hit at least 3 three-pointers in each of his last four games but was off target today, finishing 1-for-6.
