James Harden delivered a vintage performance, scoring a season-high 43 points in just 32 minutes, to propel the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 121-96 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
The win extended Washington’s losing streak to 13 games, as Harden’s offensive onslaught set the tone early and often.
The 10-time All-Star came out firing, putting up 23 points in the first quarter alone and sinking seven 3-pointers on the night. Harden had already eclipsed his previous season high of 29 points by halftime, and despite exiting the game late in the third quarter, he notched his best scoring performance since a 44-point outing in March 2021.
Ivica Zubac dominated the interior for Los Angeles, contributing 18 points and 16 rebounds as the Clippers controlled the game on both ends of the floor. The victory marked the Clippers’ second-largest win margin of the season, building on momentum from their recent 26-point blowout over Philadelphia.
Wizards Struggle Amid Another Blowout Loss
For the Wizards, the woes continued. Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas led Washington with 17 points apiece, but the team was dealt another blow when leading scorer Kyle Kuzma exited with a left rib injury after playing just eight minutes. With their 13th straight loss, the Wizards edged closer to matching last season’s 16-game skid, which ultimately led to a franchise-worst 15-67 record.
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Clippers in Control from Start to Finish
The Clippers never trailed and built their dominance throughout the game. The pivotal moment came late in the third quarter when Harden drilled back-to-back 3-pointers, extending Los Angeles’ lead to 81-59 with 3:47 remaining in the period. From there, the Clippers coasted to their sixth win in their last seven games.
Harden Makes History in Electrifying First Quarter
Harden’s 23-point first quarter was a masterclass in scoring efficiency. According to StatMuse, it marked the ninth time in his career he scored at least 23 points in a single period, and the first such performance since 2020. His offensive rhythm not only energized the Clippers but also deflated any hopes Washington had of pulling off an upset.
Takeaways from the Game
Clippers: Despite navigating the season without six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles has managed an impressive 12-8 record through 20 games. Harden’s resurgence alongside Zubac’s consistency has provided stability for a team still battling injuries.
Wizards: The skid continues for Washington, whose defensive struggles and lack of depth were evident once again. With three more losses, the team will tie last season’s longest losing streak of 16 games. Kuzma’s early exit only adds to the challenges for a roster already stretched thin.
Looking Ahead
The Clippers aim to keep their momentum alive as they visit Minnesota on Friday, continuing their road trip against a Western Conference contender. Meanwhile, the Wizards face another tough challenge when they travel to Milwaukee on Saturday to take on a powerhouse Bucks squad.
Harden’s performance not only reinforced his role as a leader for the Clippers but also showcased the potential of this team when firing on all cylinders. As Los Angeles continues to climb the standings, Washington’s struggles deepen, leaving plenty of questions about how they’ll rebound from this extended slump.
