Clippers, back from fire-induced layoff, run past Heat

Norman Powell scored 29 points while James Harden and Ivica Zubac chalked up double-doubles as the Los Angeles Clippers overcame an early 13-point deficit to beat the Miami Heat 109-98 on Monday in Inglewood, Calif.

Harden had 26 points with 11 assists while hitting 6 of 10 3-point attempts, and Zubac threw down seven dunks on his way to 21 points and 20 rebounds.

The Heat, whose three-game winning streak (all on the road) ended, got 32 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists from Tyler Herro, plus 19 points and 13 boards from Kel’el Ware.

The game was among the first professional sporting events in Los Angeles – played at the same time the Lakers hosted the San Antonio Spurs – since the devastating wildfires broke out in Southern California last week.

It was the Clippers’ first appearance since losing at Denver on Wednesday. The Clippers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets, scheduled for last Saturday, was postponed.

Herro and Kevin Love, starting at center in place of Bam Adebayo (lower back), inspired separate 8-0 and 10-2 runs to turn an early 5-0 Miami deficit into a commanding 33-20 lead.

Harden ended the first quarter with a 27-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer before Mo Bamba started the second frame with a trey, helping Los Angeles close to within four points.

The teams combined for 10-of-41 shooting from the floor and 2-of-23 success from 3-point range in a dismal second quarter that the Clippers narrowly won 15-13 to trim the Heat’s advantage to 48-43 at halftime.

Los Angeles regained its offensive edge in the third period as they continued to slow Miami down on the other end, forcing the Heat to cough up seven turnovers in the quarter.

Miami’s cushion was 59-51 after Terry Rozier’s pullup 3-pointer with 8:44 left in the third before Powell and Harden pushed the game the Clippers’ way.

The pair spearheaded a 19-4 burst to give Los Angeles a 70-61 buffer. Harden finished the quarter with a trey and a floater at the buzzer to end a 36-20 period and extend the home team’s lead to 79-68.

The Clippers maintained their lead in the fourth, going ahead 91-72 on Powell’s fifth 3-pointer.

–Field-level media