The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Toronto Raptors 121‑117 in overtime on Jan. 16, 2026 at Scotiabank Arena. The game featured multiple lead changes, a clutch fourth‑quarter finish, and decisive performances from Paul George and Russell Westbrook, while Cameron Johnson sealed the win with key free throws in the final seconds.
Game Flow and Key Moments
The Raptors opened strong, with Pascal Siakam scoring 12 points in the first eight minutes and giving Toronto a 31‑27 lead after the first quarter. The Clippers responded in the second quarter as Paul George sparked a 16‑2 run, ending the half with a 57‑49 advantage. George finished with 24 points, six assists and a crucial three‑pointer.
The third quarter turned into a back‑and‑forth battle. Fred VanVleet facilitated Toronto’s offense while Russell Westbrook drove hard for the Clippers. Both sides combined for 62 points, swapping the lead five times. Westbrook’s 12‑point burst gave L.A. a temporary five‑point cushion, but a late three from rookie Scott ie tied the game, sending it to a nail‑biting final minute of regulation.
With 58 seconds left, Siakam drew a foul and sank both free throws to bring Toronto within one point. Malik Beasley missed a contested three for the Clippers, and VanVleet’s baseline jumper rimmed out. Cameron Johnson recovered the loose ball, dove for a layup, was fouled and hit both free throws, giving the Clippers a 117‑115 lead with 4.2 seconds remaining. Toronto’s final three‑point attempt missed, and the game headed to overtime.
Overtime: Clippers Close It Out
In the extra period, Westbrook delivered a 10‑point burst, highlighted by a thunderous dunk that energized the crowd. The Raptors struggled with fatigue and missed four of seven free throws in overtime. The Clippers tightened their defense, forced three turnovers and scored 12 fast‑break points. Cameron Johnson capped the night with a decisive layup and a clutch three‑pointer, securing a four‑point victory.
Stat Sheet Snapshot
- Clippers: Paul George 24 pts, 6 ast, 5 reb; Russell Westbrook 22 pts, 9 ast, 6 reb; Cameron Johnson 19 pts, 3 ast; Malik Beasley 15 pts.
- Raptors: Pascal Siakam 28 pts, 8 reb; Fred VanVleet 22 pts, 8 ast; OG Anunoby 14 pts, 7 reb; Scott ie 18 pts, 4 ast.
Context and Background
This was the sixth meeting between the two franchises this season, with the Clippers holding a 4‑2 edge overall. Both teams entered the game with identical 22‑22 records, intensifying the playoff positioning battle. The loss dropped Toronto to a .500 record, leaving them a game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors have struggled to close out tight games, posting a 2‑5 record in contests decided by five points or fewer.
The Clippers improved to 23‑21, solidifying the 9th seed in the West and staying two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the final playoff berth. Recent form shows Los Angeles winning three of their last five games, highlighting their growing ability to execute in clutch moments.
Implications Moving Forward
For Toronto, tightening defensive rotations in the final minute and improving free‑throw shooting under pressure are immediate priorities. Coach Darko Rajić emphasized the need to finish games, not just compete. The Raptors will look to their bench for a spark as they head into a back‑to‑back road trip starting with the Boston Celtics.
For the Clippers, the win reinforces the chemistry between George and Westbrook, who have combined for over 50 points in three of the last five games. Coach Tyron Lamar is likely to continue leveraging their dual‑guard dynamic while involving younger pieces like Beasley and Johnson in late‑game scenarios. The victory also serves as a morale boost before a crucial west‑coast series against the Golden State Warriors.
Final Thoughts
The Jan. 16 showdown delivered everything fans crave: lead changes, star performances, and a dramatic overtime finish. While the Clippers walked away with the win, the Raptors left with a lingering sense of what might have been. As the regular season winds down, both clubs must translate tonight’s lessons into actionable adjustments to secure postseason berths in the NBA’s unforgiving landscape.
