Kawhi scores 14 in return : Clippers hold off Lakers 103-97

Kawhi scores 14 in return : Clippers hold off Lakers 103-97

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The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 103-97 on Thursday night to start their season with big hopes. Kawhi Leonard had 14 points and seven rebounds in his first game in 16 months.

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The Clippers, who defeated their more illustrious Los Angeles rivals for the seventh time in a row, held on down the line with Paul George scoring 15 points and John Wall contributing 15 in his NBA debut.

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In his first game since tearing a ligament in his right knee in a playoff game in June 2021, Leonard came off the bench for the first time since 2013 and played 21 minutes.

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The two-time NBA Finals MVP decided to ease back in a temporary reserve role after missing all of last season while recovering from surgery.

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The Clippers' high hopes for their first championship rest largely on Leonard's ability to return to elite form.

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Anthony Davis scored 25 points despite reduced mobility after a mid-game fall, while LeBron James had 20 points and 10 rebounds in the 20th home opener of his career. Lonnie Walker scored 26 points in his Lakers home debut.