Leonard, George lead Clippers past Jazz in Game 4

Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks over Derrick Favors of the Utah Jazz during the first half in Game Four of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Staples Center on June 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
| Photo by KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Los Angeles—Kawhi Leonard and Paul George combined for 62 points as the Los Angles Clippers breezed to a 118-104 win over the top-seeded Utah Jazz in game four of their Western Conference series on Monday (Tuesday, June 15, 2021, Philippine time).

They each scored 31 points, and George added nine rebounds as the Clippers leveled the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

“We are both being aggressive and our teammates are finding us for open shots,” said Leonard.

Marcus Morris scored 22 of his 24 points during a first half, in which the Clippers led by as much as 29 points.

Donovan Mitchell answered the bell by scoring a team-high 37 points in the loss.

Mitchell tied the Utah franchise playoff record of six straight 30-point outings held by former all-star Karl Malone.

Game five is Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines) at Salt Lake City.

“We did a great job of making shots and getting stops when we needed to,” said Leonard. “Everybody was helping each other.”

Leonard left the contest with 4:35 remaining after grabbing his knee, and did not return. He exited after being bumped by Jazz’s Joe Ingles. Leonard said he would be ready to go in game five.

Kawhi Leonard holds his knee during the second half against the Utah Jazz in Game Four of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Staples Center on June 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.| Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP

Utah’s Mike Conley (hamstring) sat out and has missed all four games of the series.