In a dazzling display of prowess, James Harden attained the monumental feat of his 25,000th career point, amassing an impressive 28 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds in a triumphant showcase. Simultaneously, Kawhi Leonard contributed a formidable 27 points and eight rebounds, propelling the Los Angeles Clippers to their sixth consecutive victory with a decisive 121-113 triumph over the faltering Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Norman Powell exhibited a commendable performance, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the final quarter, fortifying the Clippers’ resolve. This commendable effort propelled them to overcome the absence of Paul George, sidelined due to his first injury of the season, securing their 11th win in 14 games. Notably, the Clippers maintained their flawless record of 5-0 at home throughout December.
Reflecting on the outstanding performance, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue remarked, “That’s the essence of James. With PG absent tonight, he elevated his game, shouldering a greater creative burden and orchestrating plays for himself and teammates. This is precisely why we enlisted his services, and his impact was monumental.”
Harden etched his name in NBA history as the 24th player to reach the 25,000-point milestone, achieving this landmark with a skillful driving layup late in the third quarter. Demonstrating adaptability, the seasoned player seamlessly integrated into the Clippers’ lineup, maintaining an impressive shooting percentage while adjusting his playing style to complement the likes of Leonard and the absent George, nursing a left hip injury.
In a post-game reflection, Harden emphasized, “Regardless of my individual contribution, be it two or 28 points tonight, victory is paramount. My focus is on winning, fostering team chemistry, and continual improvement. Tonight marked another stride forward for us as a cohesive unit.”
Golden State faced a formidable challenge, with Klay Thompson delivering a stellar performance, notching a season-high 30 points, inclusive of eight 3-pointers. Despite Thompson’s efforts, the Warriors concluded their winless three-game road trip, extending their broader struggle with a 12th loss in 16 games in a tumultuous season that took a further hit this week.
Stephen Curry, with 17 points on 5-of-17 shooting, faced the daunting task of leading the Warriors in another prolonged absence of Draymond Green, who received an indefinite suspension for an altercation with Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic. Reflecting on the situation, Thompson expressed, “Draymond is integral to our team, and we’ll feel his absence deeply. We’re optimistic he’ll return stronger, but currently, there’s a significant void. Nevertheless, we’ll strive to perform at our best in his absence.”
Coach Steve Kerr, ahead of the game, reiterated the team’s support for Green’s suspension and emphasized the need for change in Green’s behavior, who has faced four suspensions in 2023 alone. The Warriors, now without Green, navigated the challenge with adjusted starting lineups, promoting Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski in place of Green and Andrew Wiggins, respectively.
In the end, the Warriors, despite Thompson’s impressive display, succumbed to a scoreless stretch in the final quarter, allowing the Clippers to secure their victory. The game showcased the resilience and adaptability of both teams amidst challenges, setting the stage for the continued dynamics of the NBA season.