George Harris
Dec 15, 2023 - 10:00

James Harden helps Clippers defeat struggling Warriors

James Harden scores 28 points and 15 assists as Clippers win sixth straight game, while Klay Thompson scores 30 points for Warriors.

On Thursday, December 14, James Harden made history by becoming the 24th player in NBA history to reach the 25,000-point plateau. This incredible achievement came as the Los Angeles Clippers claimed their sixth consecutive victory, defeating the visiting Golden State Warriors with a final score of 121-113.

Harden's standout performance included season-highs of 28 points and 15 assists, while Kawhi Leonard added 27 points to secure the win for the Clippers. Norman Powell also made a significant contribution with 21 points, and Amir Coffey achieved a season-high of 18 points.

Notably, the Clippers achieved this victory without star player Paul George, who missed the game due to left hip soreness. Despite George's absence, the team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, showcasing their strength and depth.

On the opposing side, Klay Thompson scored a season-high 30 points with eight three-pointers, and Stephen Curry added 17 points for the Warriors. However, Golden State was playing without Draymond Green, who had been suspended indefinitely following an incident in a previous game.

The game saw the Clippers take control in the first two quarters, leading 69-56 at halftime with an impressive 55% shooting percentage. However, the Warriors fought back in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 37-30.

Golden State continued to challenge the Clippers in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to 103-102 with just under 9 minutes remaining. However, a 6-0 run from the Clippers put them back in control, ultimately securing a 121-113 victory.

This win marked the Clippers' second home victory over the Warriors in less than two weeks, following a 113-112 win on December 2 that initiated their current winning streak.

Overall, this game showcased the skill, determination, and resilience of both teams, with James Harden's historic achievement adding an extra layer of excitement and significance to the Clippers' impressive victory.