Clippers deliver with statement win over Warriors

James Harden (YouTube)

With the 2024 NBA All-Star Game approaching this weekend, the Los Angeles Clippers had a statement win on Wednesday. Down by 14 points with 37 seconds left in the third quarter, the Clippers marched back with a 130-125 win over the Golden State Warriors.

Six Clippers reached double digits in points. Guard James Harden of Los Angeles, California had 26 points,  power forward Paul George of Palmdale, California had 24 points, shooting guard Norman Powell of San Diego, California had 21 points off the bench, point guard Russell Westbrook of Long Beach, California had 15 points off the bench, small forward Amir Coffey of Hopkins, Minnesota had 14 points and Ivica Zubac of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina had 13 points. Zubac had a double-double as he had 10 rebounds.

Prior to Wednesday’s contest, the Warriors had won five games in a row, which was a season-high. During the streak, they defeated the Brooklyn Nets 109-98 on February 5, the Philadelphia 76ers 127-104 on February 7, the Indiana Pacers 131-109 on February 8, the Phoenix Suns 113-112 on February 10, and the Utah Jazz 129-107. The Warriors were playing in sync, and were getting a combination of leadership presence from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and youthful exuberance from Jonathan Kuminga.

What we saw on Wednesday was leadership from the Clippers. Even after a second half scrum which resulted in an ejection of Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, it was Harden who had an unexpected calming influence. He took control of the Los Angeles squad, who was without the services of star Kawhi Leonard, who did not play because of a thigh injury.

With the win, the Clippers improved to a record of 36 wins and 17 losses (third in the West). The Warriors drop to 26 wins and 26 losses.