Tag: James Harden

by Richard Miller (US)

Clippers Conclude Road Trip with High-Scoring Victory Over Hawks

ATLANTA — The Los Angeles Clippers capped off an impressive road stretch with a thrilling 149-144 win against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, showcasing their offensive prowess in a game filled with high-flying moments and sharpshooting. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 36 points, including a pivotal 11 in the fourth quarter, while James Harden contributed a double-double with 30 points and 10 assists, and Paul George added 18 points.

The Hawks, riding a four-game winning streak and bolstered by Trae Young’s 25 points and De’Andre Hunter’s 27 from the bench, faced a Clippers team that was determined to finish their 13-day, 6-1 road trip on a high note. Despite the Hawks’ efforts, Los Angeles’ offensive efficiency and clutch play in the final minutes secured their victory.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised his team’s performance, highlighting the challenge of facing high-caliber teams and the significance of their 6-1 record on this road trip. Lue emphasized the importance of ball security, a strength that was evident as the Clippers only committed seven turnovers and shot an impressive 60% from 3-point range.

Leonard, named the Western Conference player of the week, was instrumental in the game’s decisive moments. His late-game heroics, including a crucial 3-pointer and a three-point play, helped extend the Clippers’ lead. Harden’s banked-in 3-pointer while being fouled with just over a minute left played a significant role in clinching the win for Los Angeles.

Despite the offensive showcase, Lue expressed concern over the Clippers allowing 43 points in the fourth quarter and emphasized the need for defensive improvement upon returning home.

The game was tightly contested, with a buzzer-beating 3 by Daniel Theis at the end of the third quarter giving the Clippers a slim lead heading into the final period. The absence of Hawks center Clint Capela due to a left adductor strain and Clippers center Ivica Zubac with a right calf strain had an impact, but both teams adapted with their available rosters.

As the Clippers look forward to hosting the New Orleans Pelicans and the Hawks prepare for a challenging matchup against the Boston Celtics, both teams will aim to build on their performances. For the Clippers, this victory not only marks a successful conclusion to their road trip but also solidifies their position as a formidable force in the league as they improve to 26-5 since Nov. 30.

by Abhishek Shukla

Clippers Overcome Road Challenges, Best Heat in Miami

MIAMI — The Los Angeles Clippers’ extended road trip, prompted by the Grammy Awards at their home venue, culminated in a significant 103-95 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night. Kawhi Leonard led the way with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while James Harden added 21 points, making a strong second-half performance. This win improved the Clippers’ record to 5-1 on their seven-game, 11-day journey, which concludes in Atlanta.

Despite the logistical challenges, Leonard praised his team’s mental resilience and collective effort. The Clippers have showcased remarkable form, boasting the best NBA record since the start of December at 25-5. Harden was close to a triple-double, underlining the team’s depth and willingness to sacrifice for success.

Miami, facing its own struggles, saw Jimmy Butler score 21 points and Terry Rozier add 17, but this was not enough to counteract the Heat’s recent downturn, now standing at 2-8 in their last ten games. The absence of key shooters Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro exacerbated Miami’s offensive woes, as noted by Bam Adebayo, emphasizing the need for improved flow and execution.

The game highlighted a disciplined approach from both teams, with a remarkably low foul count in the first half. However, the Clippers leveraged their offensive capabilities in the second half to secure the win, outperforming Miami in key statistical areas.

As the Clippers prepare to face Atlanta, Miami looks to bounce back against Orlando, with both teams eager to build momentum in their respective campaigns.