James Harden Leads Clippers to Victory Over Nuggets, Despite Jokic’s Triple-Double
Inglewood, California – James Harden was a scoring powerhouse for the Los Angeles Clippers, racking up 39 points and sinking all 13 of his free-throw attempts, as the Clippers edged past the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 126-122 on Sunday night.
While Nikola Jokic delivered an impressive triple-double with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Nuggets. Jokic’s performance marked his eighth triple-double of the season, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court. Harden, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on his own triple-double, finishing the game with nine rebounds and 11 assists.
Helping to fortify the Clippers’ offensive efforts was Norman Powell, who added 28 points upon returning from a six-game injury absence. The Clippers showed their long-range prowess, draining 17 three-pointers, compared to the Nuggets’ 21 attempts, reflecting a strategic advantage from beyond the arc.
The game saw several shifts in momentum, including a third-quarter surge by the Nuggets, who rattled off a 21-11 run to lead by 10. However, the Clippers responded decisively with six three-pointers — three each from Harden and Powell — to regain the lead by the end of the third quarter.
In a nail-biting finish, the Clippers maintained composure down the stretch, converting 8 of their 9 free-throw attempts. A crucial moment occurred when Jokic missed a key free throw with only 9 seconds remaining in the game, a setback that impacted the Nuggets’ chances.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will face the Golden State Warriors, while the Clippers prepare to host the Portland Trail Blazers in their respective NBA Cup games on Tuesday night.
This thrilling matchup amplifies the competitiveness in the league, as both teams continue to vie for dominance in their division. Fans can anticipate more high-stakes encounters as the season progresses.
This game reinforces the Clippers’ offensive firepower and their ability to rally under pressure, keeping them in strong contention for playoff positions as the season unfolds.