Clippers Tackle Nuggets in Thrilling 126-122 Victory

In a high-stakes matchup on Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a 126-122 win over the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Inglewood, California. Led by the dynamic play of James Harden, who finished with 39 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, the Clippers extended their home win streak to eight games.

James Harden’s All-Around Performance

James Harden put on a show, hitting six 3-pointers and playing all 24 minutes of the second half, displaying his endurance and leadership. Harden’s all-around performance was crucial for the Clippers’ victory, with his clutch shooting and playmaking abilities keeping his team in control down the stretch. With his perfect 13-for-13 free throw shooting, Harden ensured the win by sealing the game with crucial free throws in the final moments.

Norman Powell’s Impressive Return

In his first game back after missing six games due to a hamstring injury, Norman Powell showed no signs of rust. He hit five 3-pointers and finished with 28 points in 25 minutes of action. Powell’s explosive play was key for the Clippers, providing much-needed offensive firepower alongside Harden and helping to stretch the lead in the second half.

Nikola Jokic’s Triple-Double Streak Continues

On the other side, Nikola Jokic continued his incredible season, posting a triple-double with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. This marked his eighth triple-double of the season and the 138th of his career, tying him with Magic Johnson for third on the all-time list. Jokic’s consistent brilliance remains a major factor for the Nuggets, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Clippers’ late-game heroics.

Clippers’ Defense and Late-Game Execution

Despite Jokic’s historic performance, the Clippers’ defense held strong in the final moments. After a Jamal Murray three-pointer and Christian Braun’s putback trimmed the Clippers’ lead to just two points with 19.9 seconds left, the Clippers kept their composure. Ivica Zubac and Jokic each made one free throw, but Harden’s clutch free throws ensured the win, finishing with a flawless 13-for-13 from the charity stripe.

Injury Woes for Clippers: Amir Coffey’s Injury

The win was somewhat marred by an injury to Amir Coffey, who had 13 points before limping off the court after a knee collision with teammate Ivica Zubac during the third quarter. Coffey’s status remains uncertain, but his early performance was a crucial part of the Clippers’ strong first-half effort.

Clippers’ Early Domination and Nuggets’ Comeback

The Clippers came out strong, quickly jumping to an 11-2 lead, with Kris Dunn making his presence felt on defense and Powell immediately contributing on offense. However, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets’ recovery, scoring 15 points in the first quarter to bring the Nuggets within striking distance, ending the first frame with a 32-23 deficit.

The Nuggets took a brief lead in the second quarter, with an 11-0 run putting them up 46-43, but the teams went into the halftime break tied at 59-59.

Clippers’ Surge in the Second Half

After the Nuggets briefly led 80-70 in the third quarter, Harden and Powell found their rhythm from beyond the arc, each hitting three 3-pointers in the final minutes of the period. The Clippers finished the third quarter with a 92-90 lead, setting the stage for a thrilling final period.

Key Takeaways

• James Harden delivered a 39-point, 11-assist performance, including a perfect night at the free-throw line.
• Norman Powell made a strong return with 28 points and five 3-pointers after missing several games due to injury.
• Nikola Jokic had another triple-double, his 138th career triple-double, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Clippers’ offensive firepower.
• The Clippers extended their home win streak to eight games, despite concerns over Amir Coffey’s injury.

The Los Angeles Clippers continue to show resilience and depth, moving forward with a balanced attack led by Harden, Powell, and their defense. As the Denver Nuggets fight to keep pace, Jokic’s individual brilliance is not enough to secure victories without stronger team efforts. The Clippers’ late-game execution and clutch shooting from Harden ensured they came out on top in this thrilling contest.

Next Game for the Clippers and Nuggets

Looking ahead, both teams will be gearing up for their next matchups as they continue their campaigns in the competitive Western Conference. The Clippers will aim to build on their momentum, while the Nuggets will look to regroup and respond to another tough loss.