Clippers Collapse Heat

     The Miami Heat opened 2024 with a 121-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Cypto.com Arena on Monday night. The Heat, who continued their five-game West Coast road swing, will face the Los Angeles Lakes in the same building on Wednesday. 

     It will be the final time that Miami will play against the Clippers at Cypto.com Arena. The Clippers are moving into a new venue for next season. 

     Miami(19-13) sprinted out to a 35-23 lead at the end of the first quarter. Los Angeles(19-12) bounced back and had a 59-58 edge at halftime. 

     The Clippers scored the first six points in the second half and had a 85-75 lead after three quarters. Los Angeles had an 11-5 spurt at the beginning of the final quarter and later led by 21 points 115-94 with 4:59 remaining. 

     Bam Adebayo powered in a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Heat. Kevin Love, playing in his 900th NBA game, added 17 points in the defeat. Jaime Jacquez Jr. and Duncan Robinson both drained in 15 points each. Tyler Herro was held to 12 points. 

     Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points while Paul George dropped in 23 points for the Clippers. James Harden contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Norman Powell came off the bench with 22 points.