Russell Westbrook reaches 25,000-point milestone as Clippers beat Pistons

By DAVE HOGG The Associated Press

DETROIT — Kawhi Leonard scored 21 of his 33 points in the first half, Russell Westbrook reached a significant career milestone and the Clippers put on an offensive show in a 136-125 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

The Clippers got off to a slow start while trailing by as many as 14 points in the first quarter, but scored 109 points in the final three periods. They shot 59.6% overall and 48.3% from 3-point range.

Westbrook had 23 points and nine assists while becoming just the 25th NBA player to score 25,000 career points. Westbrook joined Lakers star LeBron James as the only other player in NBA history with at least 25,000 points, 9,000 assists, and 8,000 rebounds.

“First and foremost I give thanks to God for allowing me to be able to play the game I love,” Westbrook said on the broadcast after the game. “It’s a blessing. I don’t take any day, any night for granted. I’m grateful to be able to play the game of basketball and use my platform to impact and inspire other people.”

Paul George added 18 points for the Clippers, who have won seven of eight and are a league-best 23-5 since Dec. 1.

Jalen Ivey had 28 points and Bojan Bogdanovic added 26 for Detroit, which is 4-41 after a 2-1 start. Marcus Sasser added 21 points.

The Clippers led 65-59 at halftime and their scoring pace didn’t let up in the third. Leonard reached 30 points with five minutes left in the quarter when he put the Clippers ahead 89-80.

Detroit answered with an 8-0 run before Westbrook hit a 3-pointer. Norman Powell’s last-second 3-pointer gave the Clippers a 101-90 lead going into the fourth.

Powell started the fourth with another 3-pointer, and the Clippers led 108-90 after the first minute of the fourth. Detroit got within 116-109, but the Clippers scored nine points in 74 seconds to ice the win.