LOS ANGELES— James Harden reached a significant milestone, scoring his 25,000th career point, as he led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 121-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Harden’s performance, which included 28 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds, was pivotal in the Clippers’ sixth consecutive win.
Kawhi Leonard contributed significantly with 27 points and eight rebounds, helping the Clippers to overcome Paul George’s absence due to injury. Norman Powell also played a crucial role, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, as Los Angeles improved to 5-0 at home in December.
Golden State, on the other hand, struggled on their road trip, with the loss to the Clippers marking their third consecutive defeat. Klay Thompson led the Warriors with a season-high 30 points, including eight 3-pointers. However, Stephen Curry managed only 17 points on 5-of-17 shooting, as the Warriors grappled with the absence of Draymond Green, who is indefinitely suspended following an incident against Phoenix.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr emphasized the team’s support for both the suspension and Green, who is seeking help to address his behavior and aggressive play. Green’s absence is a significant blow to the Warriors, who have lost 12 of their last 16 games.
The Clippers, despite missing George, the team’s second-leading scorer, adapted well with Amir Coffey stepping into the starting lineup. Golden State also made adjustments, promoting Jonathan Kuminga and rookie Brandin Podziemski to the starting lineup in place of Green and Andrew Wiggins. Kuminga scored 15 points, but Podziemski struggled with only four points on 2-for-11 shooting.
Thompson’s performance, especially in the third quarter, kept the Warriors close, but the team faltered in the fourth, with Curry and Thompson combining for only 1-for-7 shooting.
Chris Paul, facing his former team, scored 12 points for Golden State, but the Warriors’ road woes continued with their seventh straight road loss, including two defeats to the Clippers this month.
Harden’s milestone moment came on a driving layup late in the third quarter, marking him as the 24th player in NBA history to reach 25,000 points. His integration into the Clippers’ lineup has been seamless, fitting well alongside Leonard and George.
George’s injury absence was a rare setback for a Clippers team that has otherwise enjoyed good health this season, with Leonard playing in every game after being frequently rested in previous seasons.
The Clippers maintained their lead despite a late Warriors surge, including a deep three-pointer by Paul at the end of the third quarter. Golden State closed the gap early in the fourth but struggled to score in the following minutes.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, hoping to turn their fortunes around. The Clippers, riding high on their winning streak, will face the New York Knicks on the same day.
