Clippers rally from 24 down to edge Pacers on Kawhi's last-second shot

Los Angeles overcomes huge deficit, wins fourth straight game

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:10am

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The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 114-113 on Friday night, with Kawhi Leonard hitting the game-winning jumper with 0.4 seconds remaining. Darius Garland scored 30 points to lead the Clippers' comeback, while Leonard finished with 28 points.

Why it matters

The Clippers' dramatic comeback victory showcases their resilience and ability to rally from large deficits, an important quality as they push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pacers' collapse, despite holding a substantial lead, highlights their continued struggles this season.

The details

The Pacers raced out to a 42-21 lead after the first quarter, fueled by 8-of-11 shooting from 3-point range. They maintained a double-digit advantage for most of the game, but the Clippers chipped away in the second half, tying the game at 105-105 with 6:13 remaining. The game came down to the final seconds, with Leonard's jumper giving the Clippers the victory after the Pacers missed two free throws in the closing moments.

  • The Clippers trailed by 24 points in the first half.
  • Los Angeles cut the deficit to 6 points by the end of the third quarter.
  • The Clippers tied the game at 105-105 with 6:13 left in the fourth quarter.
  • Kawhi Leonard hit the game-winning jumper with 0.4 seconds remaining.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

A star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who hit the game-winning shot to lift his team to victory.

Darius Garland

The Clippers' leading scorer with 30 points, playing a key role in the team's comeback.

Aaron Nesmith

The Pacers' leading scorer with 26 points, but was unable to prevent his team's collapse.

Obi Toppin

The Pacers' second-leading scorer with 20 points.

Andrew Nembhard

The Pacers' point guard who contributed 13 points and 10 assists.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up and kept fighting until the end. That's the kind of resilience we need to make a push for the playoffs.”

— Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Forward

“It's a tough loss, but we have to learn from this and come back stronger. We had the game in our hands and let it slip away.”

— Aaron Nesmith, Pacers Guard

What’s next

The Clippers will look to build on this comeback victory as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pacers, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and try to end their season on a high note.

The takeaway

The Clippers' dramatic rally from a 24-point deficit showcases their resilience and ability to overcome adversity, a valuable trait as they seek to secure a postseason berth. For the Pacers, this collapse despite a large lead highlights their ongoing struggles and the need to develop a stronger finishing mentality.