Clippers Crush Nets in Historic 59-Point Victory

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Clippers delivered a historic blowout Wednesday night, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 126-67 at Crypto.com Arena. The 59-point margin marked the largest victory in Clippers franchise history and the worst loss in Nets history.

The Clippers surpassed their previous record of a 50-point win against Oklahoma City in 2022. The Nets’ previous worst defeat was a 52-point loss to Houston in 1978. Brooklyn struggled without key players Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, Ben Simmons, and D'Angelo Russell, who were sidelined due to injuries.

“They were missing a few of their starters,” said Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, who scored 23 points in 24 minutes. “When guys come in and you’re not really knowing the offense or defense, it could get like that. So it’s understandable.”

Leonard, playing in his fourth game since returning from a knee injury, emphasized his focus on recovery. “It felt good, but I’m taking my time,” he said. “Just because I’m making shots doesn’t mean anything. It’s about how I’m moving and feeling.”

The Clippers dominated from the start, leading 58-35 at halftime. They opened the third quarter with a 29-3 run, extending their lead to 102-51 by the end of the period. LA’s largest lead reached 64 points in the fourth quarter, even as coach Tyronn Lue rested his starters.

“When you see a loss like this, a lot of things went wrong,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “The energy and competitive spirit was not there, plain and simple. But right now, the only thing I can do is support my guys.”

Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton led the team with 16 points, while Day'Ron Sharpe added 12. The Nets have lost five of their last six games, with Claxton acknowledging the team’s struggles. “It’s definitely frustrating. We’ve been getting beat by a lot lately,” he said. “We’ve got to keep fighting.”

The Clippers’ Paul George contributed 18 points, helping secure the record-breaking win. The Nets, now focused on rebuilding, lead the NBA in cap space ($65 million) and draft assets (31 picks). Despite the loss, Fernandez remained optimistic about the team’s future. “I know our guys are competitors and fighters,” he said. “We’re going to show up the next day and try to be better.”

The Nets will look to rebound Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Clippers aim to build on their momentum as the season progresses.