March 27, 2025
New York, NY – The Los Angeles Clippers delivered a commanding performance at Madison Square Garden on March 26, defeating the New York Knicks 126-113. A dominant third quarter, fueled by scorching three-point shooting, propelled the Clippers to victory as they capitalized on the Knicks’ second-half struggles.
Game Recap: Clippers Overcome Early Knicks Lead
The Knicks started strong, leading by as much as 14 points in the first half. However, the Clippers responded with a blistering third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 38-22. The Clippers shot 16-of-30 from beyond the arc, including an impressive 8-of-11 in the decisive third period.
Key Performances
Los Angeles Clippers:
- James Harden: 29 points, 10 assists, orchestrated the offense effectively
- Kawhi Leonard: 27 points, 10 rebounds, led the defensive charge
- Paul George: 22 points, solid two-way presence
- Ivica Zubac: 14 points, 11 rebounds, controlled the paint
New York Knicks:
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 34 points, 13 rebounds, lone bright spot for the Knicks
- RJ Barrett: 21 points, struggled in the second half
- Julius Randle: 17 points, 7 rebounds, inefficient shooting night
- Jalen Brunson: Out due to injury, absence felt in ball movement and leadership
Third-Quarter Surge Seals the Game
The Clippers’ explosive third quarter was the difference-maker, with Harden and Leonard spearheading the offensive onslaught. Their precise ball movement and efficient perimeter shooting overwhelmed the Knicks’ defense, which failed to adjust to the Clippers’ rapid pace.
Knicks Struggle in Second Half, Face Injury Setbacks
The Knicks faltered offensively in the second half, failing to match the Clippers’ intensity. Cameron Payne exited early due to an ankle injury, adding to the team’s woes as they played without star point guard Jalen Brunson. The loss dropped the Knicks’ record against teams above .500 to a concerning 11-18, highlighting their struggles against top-tier competition.
Reactions and Playoff Implications
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We executed perfectly in the third quarter. That’s the level of focus we need every night.” Meanwhile, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, saying, “We lacked defensive discipline when it mattered most.”
With this victory, the Clippers maintain their push for a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference, while the Knicks need to regroup quickly to solidify their postseason positioning in the East.
