Kawhi hits game-winner to lift Clippers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kawhi Leonard couldn’t have drawn up a better return.

The five-time All-Star had 16 points, including an 18-foot jumper with 1.4 seconds to lift the Los Angeles Clippers to a 119-117 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night in his return from a right ankle sprain.

“I don’t think anybody loves playing this game more than me,” Leonard said. “It gives me joy when I’m able to play. And it was great that I was able to make that shot.”

Paul George also came back from a strained hamstring to score 19 points along with seven assists, helping the Clippers snap a two-game losing streak. Reggie Jackson and Nic

Batum each had 13 points, and John Wall added 12 points and 12 assists.

Luke Kennard added nine points off the bench in his first game back from an injury as well.

Charlotte’s Kelly Oubre scored 28 points and P.J. Washington added 26 after going 0 for 13 on Saturday night. Washington missed a fadeaway jumper as time expired that would have tied the game.

Getting Leonard, George and Kennard back should provide a huge boost for the Clippers (14-11). Leonard has been out since Nov. 21, George since Nov. 19 and Kennard since Nov. 15 with a calf strain.

George said it’s “super important” getting everyone healthy again, and that it felt like the start of a new season.