NBA Notes: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Pacers, Andrew Nembhard, Hornets

Clippers

Down big early and still searching late, the Clippers flipped the switch when it mattered.

Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as the visiting Clippers erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the short-handed Pistons 98-92 on Saturday night.

Los Angeles closed the game on a 28-8 run, forcing 12 Detroit turnovers in the final quarter alone. James Harden chipped in 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists as the Clippers improved to nine wins in their last 11 games.

Detroit was without Cade Cunningham (wrist), Isaiah Stewart (illness), Tobias Harris (hip), and Jalen Duren (ankle), leaving the Pistons short on scoring, rebounding, and rim protection.

Pacers

The Pacers made it look easy.

Andrew Nembhard poured in 29 points and nine assists as Indiana rolled past the visiting Heat 123-99. The Pacers never trailed and led by double digits for most of the night, matching their longest winning streak of the season with a second straight victory.

Indiana knocked down 17 three-pointers, one shy of its season high. Micah Potter hit four of them off the bench and finished with 14 points, while Jarace Walker added 13.

Hornets

This one was over early. Very early.

The Hornets jumped out to a 47-point first-half lead and cruised to a 150-95 blowout of the Jazz, the second-largest win in franchise history and Charlotte’s biggest ever on the road.

Tre Mann scored 20 points in just 12 minutes off the bench, while Brandon Miller had 18 and LaMelo Ball added 17.

Charlotte buried Utah from the perimeter, going 16-for-36 from three in the first half as the Jazz managed just one make on 12 attempts.

The Hornets led by as many as 57 in the second half, turning a bounce-back night into a statement.