Overview
- Los Angeles has won four straight over the past 10 days, each by at least 13 points, capped by a 112-99 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons to open a five-game homestand for a 10-21 record.
- Kawhi Leonard delivered a career-high 55 points against Detroit and is averaging 39 points during the streak while upping his three-point volume (15-for-38, 39.7%).
- Brook Lopez stepped in for Ivica Zubac (sprained left ankle, out indefinitely) and is averaging 13.5 points with 14-for-28 shooting from deep and seven blocks during the run.
- James Harden highlighted Lopez’s communication, rim protection and spacing as keys to the team’s cleaner offense during the turnaround.
- The defense has tightened to fourth-best over the four-game span per The Athletic, holding foes to 99.5 points and forcing a league-high 12.2 turnovers, with a five-game test ahead against the Kings, Jazz, Celtics, Warriors and Knicks.