In a tightly contested Western Conference showdown, James Harden delivered a vintage performance to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.
Harden’s 39-point outing, complemented by his near triple-double of nine rebounds and 11 assists, was the driving force in the Clippers’ hard-fought win over the defending champions.
Harden’s Heroics
Harden was a force to be reckoned with, going a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line and draining three three-pointers in the first half. His efforts not only propelled the Clippers but also secured a career milestone, as he reached the 3,000 career three-pointers mark. Harden’s blend of scoring and playmaking proved vital in keeping the Clippers poised in the high-stakes matchup.
Jokic’s Triple-Double Falls Short
Nikola Jokic was his usual dominant self, registering his eighth triple-double of the season with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. The two-time MVP kept the Nuggets within striking distance throughout, including a late-game surge where his three-pointer and assist to Aaron Gordon cut the Clippers’ lead to just one point.
Powell’s Impactful Return
Norman Powell made a triumphant return for Los Angeles, scoring 28 points after missing six games due to injury. Powell’s shooting, including three critical three-pointers in the third quarter, helped the Clippers rally after a sluggish start to the second half. His offensive firepower was instrumental in keeping the team ahead during crunch time.
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Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was a tale of runs, with both teams exchanging double-digit leads. The Clippers started strong, building two separate 11-point advantages in the first half, only to see the Nuggets claw back to tie the game at halftime. Denver opened the third quarter with a 21-11 burst to go up by 10, but the Clippers responded with six three-pointers—split evenly between Harden and Powell—to reclaim the lead heading into the fourth.
Clippers Stay Calm in the Clutch
Los Angeles leaned on its composure in the closing minutes. A series of three consecutive three-pointers early in the fourth quarter gave the Clippers a seven-point lead. Though Denver fought back, a missed free throw by Jokic in the final seconds proved costly, leaving the Nuggets just short of a comeback.
Nuggets’ Missed Opportunities
While Jokic and Christian Braun made key plays late, Denver’s inefficiency from beyond the arc was a glaring issue. The Nuggets attempted only 21 three-pointers, far fewer than the Clippers’ 17 makes from deep. This disparity in long-range shooting ultimately tilted the game in Los Angeles’ favor.
Key Moments in the Final Minute
With the Clippers up by three and just seconds remaining, Harden turned the ball over under defensive pressure from Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets capitalized, with Braun converting a putback to narrow the deficit to two. However, Denver couldn’t capitalize further, as Jokic’s missed free throw with nine seconds left sealed their fate.
Takeaways
- Clippers: Los Angeles demonstrated resilience, overcoming multiple deficits while maintaining their focus in high-pressure moments. Their free-throw accuracy (8-for-9 in the clutch) and three-point shooting were decisive factors.
- Nuggets: Denver’s second loss to the Clippers this season exposed vulnerabilities, particularly their reliance on Jokic and their limited three-point attempts.
Looking Ahead
The Clippers aim to build on this momentum as they host Portland on Tuesday in an NBA Cup matchup. Meanwhile, the Nuggets return home to face Golden State, looking to bounce back in their own NBA Cup clash.
Key Stats
- Clippers: 17 made three-pointers on 41 attempts, showcasing their perimeter dominance.
- Nuggets: Shot 52% from the field but were outpaced in three-point efficiency and attempts.
Harden’s standout performance reaffirmed his place among the league’s elite, and the Clippers’ balanced attack signals a team finding its stride. For Denver, Jokic’s brilliance alone wasn’t enough to offset their struggles from long range, leaving them with questions to answer ahead of their next test.
