Clippers star Paul George, right, looks to dunk as the Philadelphia 76ers’ Mo Bamba defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. George had team-highs of 22 points and 10 rebounds and shot 5 for 8 from 3-point range in the Clippers’ 108-107 win. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard dribbles during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George, left, steals the ball from Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, goes up for a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks a shot by Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks a shot by Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris, left, tries to get past Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Paul George shoots during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Buddy Hield, left, goes up for a shot against the Clippers’ P.J. Tucker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, looks on along with Clippers star Kawhi Leonard during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ Mo Bamba (5) and Cameron Payne (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Russell Westbrook of the Clippers dribbles during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, right, goes up for a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard James Harden passes the ball during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard defends Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, left, ties to get past Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Paul George plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard James Harden tries to pass past Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul Reed (44) goes up for a shot in front of the Clippers’ P.J. Tucker (17) and Norman Powell (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) goes up for a dunk between the Philadelphia 76ers’ Kyle Lowry (7) and Tyrese Maxey (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac dunks during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden goes up for a shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook shoots a layup past Paul Reed of the Philadelphia 76ers, right, during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. goes up for a dunk during the first half of a game against the Clippers, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Terance Mann shoots during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ersat the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr., left, goes up for a shot as Clippers star Paul George defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard James Harden goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ Buddy Hield during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots past Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Kyle Lowry of the Philadelphia 76ers and Clippers star Paul George (13) challenge for the ball during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second quarter against the Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George passes the ball around Mo Bamba of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden handles the ball during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, back, and Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers challenge for the ball during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots over Ivica Zubac of the Clippers during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Kyle Lowry of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots past Clippers guard Terance Mann during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard shoots over Mo Bamba (5) of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr., right, goes up for a shot against Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Paul George, center, goes up for a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris, right, and Tyrese Maxey during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, left, goes up for a shot against Clippers star Kawhi Leonard during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Paul Reed of the Philadelphia 76ers (44) blocks a shot by Clippers star Paul George during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, right, tries to get the ball from the Philadelphia 76ers’ Nicolas Batum during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Nicolas Batum plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 27: Head coach Tyronn Lue reacts during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket past Clippers guard James Harden during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden looks on behind Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a layup past Clippers star Kawhi Leonard during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard shoots during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Buddy Hield of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Buddy Hield, center, goes up for a shot against the Clippers’ Norman Powell during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is guarded by Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Norman Powell (24) goes up for a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Buddy Hield, right, goes up for a shot against Clippers guard James Harden during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Clippers, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, center, and Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, reach for a rebound during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George is guarded by Paul Reed #44 and Nicolas Batum #40 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tyrese Maxey, left, and Buddy Hield of the Philadelphia 76ers speak during the fourth quarter against the Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots between Clippers guards Amir Coffey, left, and Russell Westbrook, right, during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is guarded by Buddy Hield, left, and Nicolas Batum, right, of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse reacts during the fourth quarter against the Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball Clippers star Paul George defends during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George, right, goes up for a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers’ Mo Bamba during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Paul George, right, reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, bottom, goes up for a shot against Clippers center Ivica Zubac during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr., center, goes up for a shot against the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac, right, and Terance Mann during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard James Harden plays during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Paul George passes past Kyle Lowry of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, center, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris, right, and Nicolas Batum during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, reacts after teammate Kawhi Leonard was fouled during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. during the final minute of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) cannot get a shot past the Clippers’ Paul George (13) and Kawhi Leonard (2) as time expires in their NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) collides with Clippers star Paul George (13) in the final second of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr., left, cannot get a shot past Clippers stars Paul George, center, and Kawhi Leonard as time expires during their an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse, third from right, reacts to officials after the 76ers lost to the Clippers on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse, right, reacts after the 76ers lost to the Clippers on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, left, reacts with P.J. Tucker after the Clippers won an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Clippers guard James Harden, right, and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey meet after an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Injured Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second quarter against the LA Clippersat the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
By KEVIN COONEY The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — The Clippers escaped the City of Brotherly Love with a win on a night when a wild fourth quarter ended in controversy.
Kawhi Leonard completed two three-point plays late in the game then made a block at the rim on the final possession to lead the Clippers to a 108-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
Kelly Oubre Jr. was stuffed at the rim by Leonard on a play that Sixers head coach Nick Nurse felt should have resulted in a foul on All-Star Paul George.
Referee Kevin Scott said in a pool report sent to reporters by the NBA an hour after the game that George did make contact with Oubre – who had the ball and was driving – before time had expired on the final play of the contest. A foul call would have sent Oubre to the line with a chance to win the game with 0.2 seconds left.
Nurse stormed onto the court to dispute the non-call and had to be restrained by his assistants. Oubre also jumped into the mix, pointing at each official before being pulled away after the final horn.
“Well I think, listen, I think he took it in there pretty hard, right?” Nurse said. “I looked it on our computer screen a couple times. I thought there was certainly contact. Certainly as much as the last two or three that got called and-ones at the other end. And that’s all. I just thought it was enough contact to call. But that’s the way it goes sometimes.”
The game officials agreed.
“On the last play on the floor, in real time the crew interpreted that play as the defender jumping vertically,” Scott told a pool reporter. “However, in post-game video review we did observe some slight drift to his left by the defender George, and a foul should have been ruled.”
Oubre felt there was a general imbalance of calls.
“There was absolute contact, but they were calling those calls for those guys,” he said. “They were getting and-ones and they were changing the game in that aspect. And then we get to our side and they didn’t see any contact.”
Leonard bounced back from a 1-for-8 shooting first half to score 17 points and grab 10 rebounds.
“We had to stay focused if we were going to stay in the game,” he said.
George had team-highs of 22 points and 10 rebounds while James Harden, in his return to Wells Fargo Center, had 16 points and 14 assists for the Clippers, who had lost six of their previous nine games.
“I liked our fight when we got down 15 points,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said. “It’s a tough game for a first game of a road trip. … I just liked us staying with it and attacking the paint and getting to the rim.”
Tyrese Maxey had 26 points for the 76ers while Oubre added 17 points.
Leonard scored with 44 seconds left, was fouled by Tobias Harris and hit the free throw to give the Clippers a 105-104 lead. Sixers guard Buddy Hield responded with a long 3-pointer to give Philadelphia a 107-105 lead with 23 seconds to play.
After a timeout, Leonard sliced down an empty lane with a reverse layup and added the free throw after being fouled by Oubre to give the Clippers a one-point lead again. Oubre drove the lane at the other end of the floor, but Leonard pinned the ball against the rim and backboard.
“Kawhi got it going late and was being resilient,” Lue said.
Harden played 1½ seasons for the 76ers before being traded to the Clippers on Oct. 31 as part of a seven-player deal after a public summer contract dispute with Daryl Morey, Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations.
Harden was greeted by boos when he was the first Clippers player introduced, then was heckled every time he touched the ball. After a sluggish start, Harden began to assert himself on the offensive end and distribute the ball. He shot 6 for 15 from the field and grabbed five rebounds.
“I expected it,” Harden said. “I really don’t know what it’s about, but I expected it. So it is what it is. I don’t even know why they were booing. You can ask them. I don’t know why they were booing.”
When asked if he would ever patch up his relationship with Morey – who he was close to during time in Houston and Philadelphia – the answer was direct.
“No,” Harden answered. “Hell no.”
UP NEXT
The Clippers continue their four-game road trip in Orlando on Friday at 4 p.m. PT.
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