The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Toronto Raptors 121‑117 in overtime on Jan. 17, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena. James Harden led the way with 31 points, 10 assists and five rebounds, pushing the Clippers to a fifth straight win despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence. Toronto struggled without Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, falling short at home.
Game Flow
Toronto opened the first quarter strong, taking a 32‑24 lead thanks to smooth offense from Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. In the second quarter, the Clippers responded with back‑to‑back baskets from Joel Embiid and Noel Branding, flipping the lead at halftime. Harden added ten points in the third quarter, extending the Clippers’ advantage. The fourth quarter saw a dead‑heat finish at 112‑112, sending the game to overtime.
In overtime, Harden became the decisive factor, sinking three‑pointers and mid‑range shots that gave the Clippers a final edge. The Raptors’ final attempt by Fomen Jackson missed, sealing a 121‑117 victory for Los Angeles.
Key Players & Stats
- James Harden (Clippers) – 31 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds; a rare 30‑10 performance that anchored the offense.
- Pascal Siakam (Raptors) – 28 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds; led the young team but defensive lapses cost the Raptors late.
- OG Anunoby (Raptors) – 24 points, 8 rebounds; provided strong inside play despite Quickley’s absence.
- Noel Branding (Clippers) – 19 points, 4 assists; complemented Harden’s playmaking and helped stabilize the Clippers’ rhythm.
Injuries & Impact
The Clippers were without All‑Star forward Kawhi Leonard, sidelined by a right‑ankle sprain. Harden filled the offensive void, keeping the team’s flow intact. Toronto missed guard Immanuel Quickley (back spasm) for a second straight game and forward RJ Barrett (left‑ankle injury) for four games, which disrupted their scoring options and contributed to the slower third‑quarter output.
Background & Outlook
With the win, the Clippers have extended their streak to five games, solidifying their position in the tightly contested Western Conference race. If Leonard returns healthy, the team could push deeper into the playoff picture.
Meanwhile, the Raptors have slipped back into a mid‑tier battle after the loss. Continued absences of Quickley and Barrett will force Toronto to rely on younger guards and strengthen interior rebounding. Enhancing OG Anunoby’s presence inside and increasing Pascal Siakam’s perimeter scoring are critical for their next games.
Conclusion
The overtime thriller highlighted the Clippers’ ability to win without Leonard, driven by Harden’s dominant performance. For the Raptors, key injuries exposed depth concerns that must be addressed to remain competitive in the latter half of the season. Both teams’ adjustments in the coming weeks will be pivotal for their playoff aspirations.
