George just misses triple-double, Clippers beat Kings 105-87

Paul George had 21 points with season highs of 11 rebounds and nine assists to shake off a slow start, and short-handed Los Angeles Clippers thumped Sacramento Kings 105-87 on Tuesday. Kawhi Leonard scored 14 of his 24 points in third quarter to help Clippers to ir 14th consecutive win in Sacramento dating to 2013. Ivica Zubac added eight points and 13 rebounds, and Maurice Harkless scored 12 points.

Clippers played without Patrick Beverley and sixth man Lou Williams. Beverely is nursing a sprained right wrist he injured during Saturday night’s loss in Utah, while Williams missed game because of personal reasons. Richaun Holmes had 22 points and 10 rebounds for Sacramento. Kings have lost eight straight.

Three days after a 13-point loss to Utah, Los Angeles took control in first half despite both George and Leonard struggling offensively. All-Stars missed 17 of ir first 24 shots combined. Both got going after break.

Leonard made five of seven shots in third quarter, and George – who missed eight of his first nine shots beyond arc – made a 3 to open fourth. George added ar 3-pointer later that put Clippers ahead 103-86. Even with Leonard and George struggling most of first half, Clippers still built a big lead on slumping Kings late in second quarter. Landry Shamet’s 3-pointer gave Los Angeles a 57-40 halftime lead.

Leonard got going in third and Clippers went on a 9-2 run to extend ir lead to 19. Montrezl Harrell tipped in an offensive rebound n made a pair of free throws that made it 85-66.

TIP-INS

Clippers: Beverley was injured Saturday against Utah. Although X-rays taken on his wrist were negative, Beverley is expected to miss a handful of games.

Kings: De’Aaron Fox had nine points and six assists after sitting out most of two games because of back spasms.

UP NEXT

Clippers: Return to Los Angeles to play Detroit on Thursday.

Kings: Host Memphis on Thursday. Sacramento has won two straight home games against Grizzlies but was beaten 119-115 on Dec. 21 in Memphis.