Inglewood, California – James Harden delivered an impressive performance, scoring 39 points and going a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line, as the Los Angeles Clippers edged out the Denver Nuggets 126-122 on Sunday night. This victory marked a significant feat as the Clippers narrowly overcame Nikola Jokic’s outstanding triple-double, which included 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists—the center’s eighth triple-double this season.
Harden just missed out on his own triple-double, contributing nine rebounds and 11 assists to the game. Norman Powell also made a notable comeback after injury, adding 28 points to the Clippers’ total.
In the first half, Harden achieved a personal milestone by sinking his 3,000th career three-pointer, hitting three 3-pointers early on. The Clippers surged ahead in the fourth quarter, making three consecutive three-pointers to establish a seven-point lead. Although Jokic and Aaron Gordon clawed back for the Nuggets with key plays, the Clippers maintained composure, converting 8 of their last 9 free throws to secure the win.
The Nuggets struggled to succeed in their free-throw attempts, notably missing a crucial opportunity late in the game, which could have altered the outcome. The Clippers showcased their three-point prowess, nailing 17 shots from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to the Nuggets’ limited attempts.
Next, the Nuggets will host the Golden State Warriors, while the Clippers welcome the Portland Trail Blazers for NBA Cup matches on Tuesday night.
This game serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit in the league, where individual performances shine but teamwork ultimately determines victory. Fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming matchups as both teams strive for improvement.