Inglewood, California – James Harden showcased an impressive performance, scoring 39 points and successfully sinking all 13 of his free throw attempts, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a thrilling 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. This win was significant as the Clippers managed to outplay Nikola Jokic, who registered a remarkable triple-double with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists—marking his eighth triple-double of the season.
Harden came close to achieving a triple-double of his own, contributing nine rebounds and 11 assists. Norman Powell also played a pivotal role, adding 28 points in his comeback after a six-game injury absence. During the first half, Harden hit three 3-pointers, reaching a notable career milestone of 3,000 three-point shots.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Clippers capitalized on their momentum, hitting three consecutive 3-pointers to establish a seven-point lead. However, Jokic responded by sinking a 3-pointer and assisting Aaron Gordon for a dunk, narrowing the gap. The game continued to fluctuate; after leading by seven, the Clippers faced critical moments, including a turnover from Harden under pressure. Despite their efforts, the Nuggets could not secure a win, highlighted by Jokic’s missed free throw in the closing seconds when they were down by three points.
Throughout the matchup, the Clippers demonstrated their shooting prowess from beyond the arc, making 17 three-pointers compared to the Nuggets’ 21 attempts.
As both teams prepare for their next challenges, the Nuggets will host the Golden State Warriors, while the Clippers will take on the Portland Trail Blazers in upcoming NBA Cup games on Tuesday night.
This game not only showcased the resilience of the Clippers but also emphasizes the competitive spirit in the league, promising exciting matchups ahead.
Overall, both teams showed remarkable skill and determination, making this a game to remember in the ongoing NBA season.