James Harden delivered a commanding performance Friday night, tallying 22 points and nine assists as the Los Angeles Clippers surged past the Sacramento Kings 104-88 in an NBA Cup matchup.
The Clippers leaned on a scorching first quarter and precise ball handling to secure their seventh consecutive home victory.
Los Angeles wasted no time asserting dominance, unleashing a 20-1 run in the opening period that set the tone for the night. The Clippers showcased arguably their cleanest half of the season, entering halftime with a 51-29 lead while committing just three turnovers. This disciplined play proved key as they improved to 1-1 in NBA Cup action.
Derrick Jones Jr. provided crucial support with 17 points, while the Clippers extended their dominance at the Intuit Dome after a shaky start to the season. Their latest win marked a significant milestone as they continue building momentum at home.
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For the Kings, De’Aaron Fox fought valiantly, scoring 25 of his 29 points in the second half. However, Sacramento’s early offensive struggles—highlighted by Fox’s rough first half—proved insurmountable. Domantas Sabonis, returning after a two-game absence due to a back injury, delivered 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide.
The Clippers’ stifling defense played a pivotal role in Sacramento’s woes. The Kings shot just 7-for-35 (20%) from beyond the arc, a glaring Achilles’ heel that continues to haunt them. Notably, their two worst 3-point shooting nights this season have come against the Clippers, including a dismal 3-for-26 performance earlier this month.
Harden’s steady leadership and ability to orchestrate the offense highlighted the Clippers’ potential when playing clean basketball. The team didn’t commit its first turnover until Mo Bamba was called for an offensive foul early in the second quarter—a testament to their focus and efficiency.
Fox’s second-half surge injected some life into Sacramento’s offense, but the damage was already done. His late-game effort couldn’t erase a first-half performance marked by missed opportunities, including a glaringly off-target 3-pointer that encapsulated the Kings’ struggles.
Sabonis’ return provided a needed boost for Sacramento, and DeMar DeRozan added 16 points in his first appearance since mid-November. Yet, their contributions were overshadowed by the Clippers’ relentless pace and control of the game.
The victory not only underscores the Clippers’ growing confidence at home but also serves as a reminder of their defensive prowess when limiting turnovers. The team has shown it can dictate games when they don’t gift easy points to opponents.
As the Clippers prepare for a challenging four-game road trip, starting with a clash against Philadelphia, this performance cements their status as a tough opponent in NBA Cup play and beyond. Meanwhile, the Kings will look to regroup when they host Brooklyn on Sunday, seeking to reignite the offensive firepower that has defined much of their season.
For now, Los Angeles continues to roll, extending their home streak and making a statement in the process. Sacramento, on the other hand, will need to find answers as they aim to bounce back from a frustrating night in Hollywood.