Darius Garland made a three-point play with 50.4 seconds left to lift the Los Angeles Clippers past the Oklahoma City Thunder, 113-122, in the NBA Cup at Intuit Dome on Friday.
Garland's clutch play capped off the Clippers' 7-0 closing run. They survived the 40-point performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed his last-gasp attempt, allowing Los Angeles to escape.
The Clippers improved to 3-8 and dealt the Thunder their third straight defeat. Oklahoma City fell to 8-5.
According to ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly, the Clippers also ended their nine-game losing streak against the Thunder.
“Last LA win versus OKC was on January 16, 2024,” added Azarly on X.
At that time, the Clippers still featured Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac.
Garland finished with 24 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Brook Lopez had 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Derrick Jones Jr. added 14 points, five rebounds, and four blocks.
The Clippers shot 16-of-41 from long range.
Los Angeles led at halftime, 57-44. Oklahoma City, however, woke up in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers, 40-25, to take control of the contest. Jared McCain punctuated it with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from 30 feet.
The Clippers, however, refused to fold and rallied behind Garland, Lopez, and Gradey Dick, who scored 10 points in the fourth quarter.
“I’m just proud of the guys. Got down six, I think, and then to come back and win that game is a huge win for us,” said Ty Lue in the postgame conference.
The Clippers will face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.