James Harden delivered an impressive performance, scoring 39 points and converting all 13 of his free throws, as the Los Angeles Clippers triumphed over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 126-122 on Sunday night. Despite Nikola Jokic’s remarkable triple-double—consisting of 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists—his efforts weren’t enough to secure victory for Denver.
Harden came close to achieving a triple-double himself, wrapping up the game with nine rebounds and 11 assists. Norman Powell also made a significant impact by contributing 28 points in his first game back after a six-game injury hiatus. During the first half, Harden surpassed the 3,000 career three-pointer mark by sinking three shots from beyond the arc.
The game was tightly contested, especially in the fourth quarter when the Clippers initially established a seven-point lead, only to see the Nuggets claw back. Jokic managed to sink a three-pointer and set up Aaron Gordon for a dunk, narrowing the score to 123-122 with just 19 seconds left.
Though the Clippers had faced a 10-point deficit after the Nuggets began the third quarter with a 21-11 run, they rebounded with precision, hitting six three-pointers to take control of the game by the end of the third quarter. The pressure mounted as Jokic missed a pivotal free throw with seconds left on the clock.
The Clippers showcased their offensive strength by making 17 shots from beyond the arc compared to the Nuggets, who attempted only 21. This marks a testament to the Clippers’ sharpshooting ability and the importance of three-point shooting in modern basketball.
Next on the schedule, the Nuggets will host the Golden State Warriors, while the Clippers will face off against the Portland Trail Blazers in the upcoming NBA Cup games on Tuesday night.
Overall, this match highlighted the resilience of the Clippers and their ability to adapt when challenged, making a strong case for their potential in the season ahead.