But it didn't take long for Finals MVP Kawhi to find his groove on a star-studded night as the Clippers took over the second quarter and beat back a Lakers rally in the third to win the season-opening battle of Los Angeles, 112-102. Big Clippers win with Paul George on the bench It was a resounding opening salvo from the Clippers, who took blow after blow from a game Lakers team, but still came out on top as six-time All-Star Paul George watched from the bench with ailing shoulders. Leonard led all scorers with 30 points while adding six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.