Clippers win tight game against depleted Pistons (98-92)
Jan 10, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) defends against LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Clippers had to dig deep to overcome the Detroit Pistons (98-92), despite Detroit being without their best players. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart were absent for the Pistons, but that didn’t stop Detroit from dominating most of the game.
A disastrous first half for Los Angeles
With heavy legs after their game the previous night in Brooklyn, the Clippers collapsed in the first half (55-41). James Harden endured an offensive nightmare with only 1 made basket on 10 attempts and 4 turnovers. On the other side, Duncan Robinson was on fire with 20 points on 5/6 from three-point range.
The Pistons, led by Ausar Thompson, Paul Reed, Javonte Green and Daniss Jenkins, racked up steals and easy transition points. Detroit built a lead of up to 19 points in this one-sided first half, taking advantage of California’s lack of focus.
The Los Angeles Clippers have beat the Detroit Pistons 13 times in their last 14 matchups
Over the last 3 games:
19 point comeback W — Jan 10, 2026
Kawhi drops 55 — Dec 28, 2025
Harden drops 50 — Mar 5, 2025 pic.twitter.com/B83sL5XJgq— clippa twitta (@clipfullyloaded) January 11, 2026
The Clippers wake up in the second half
Halftime recharged Los Angeles, who started the third quarter with a 10-0 run. John Collins found his offensive rhythm, James Harden became more aggressive and Kawhi Leonard continued to orchestrate. On the other side, Detroit’s shooting percentages dropped and Duncan Robinson wasn’t served the ball with only one shot attempt in the entire second half.
The momentum definitively shifted in the final quarter. After absorbing an 8-0 run, the Clippers responded with a 12-0 run initiated by Kawhi Leonard. The gap narrowed to one possession before completely disappearing with three minutes remaining (90-90).
Experience makes the difference in crunch time
In the crucial moments, the absence of Cade Cunningham was painfully felt for Detroit. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden excelled on defense, forcing more turnovers. John Collins and Ivica Zubac scored the decisive baskets to allow the Clippers to win with a 28-8 run to close it out.
Kawhi Leonard finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals, while John Collins delivered a complete performance with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 blocks. Ivica Zubac added 17 points. James Harden, despite shooting 4/20 from the field, went 10/11 from the free-throw line.
The Pistons can have regrets after leading 90% of the time and committing 12 of their 25 turnovers in the final quarter alone, with a terrible 1/14 from three-point range in the second half.
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