Did James Harden Make History in the Clippers’ Clash with the Jazz?
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James Harden made NBA history on Sunday night as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 116-105, breaking their three-game losing streak. Harden’s performance wasn’t just instrumental in securing the victory but also in achieving a monumental career milestone. The 34-year-old guard moved into second place on the NBA’s all-time 3-point list, surpassing Hall of Famer Ray Allen.
Harden’s Historic Milestone
With just over six minutes left in the first quarter, Harden sank a critical 3-pointer, officially moving past Ray Allen’s record of 2,973 career triples. This achievement is a testament to Harden’s prolific scoring ability and durability throughout his career. Harden’s 3-point tally now stands at 2,874, second only to Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, who leads the all-time list with an astonishing 3,782.
Notably, Harden reached this feat in 1,086 games, attempting 8,189 3-pointers. In comparison, Ray Allen needed 1,300 games and 7,429 attempts to set his mark. While Harden’s efficiency may differ, his ability to adapt and thrive in a 3-point-centric era solidifies his legacy as one of the NBA’s greatest shooters.
Clippers Take Control Early
The Clippers dominated from the start, building a commanding 66-45 lead by halftime. Their offense flowed seamlessly, with Harden contributing 20 points and 11 assists. Ivica Zubac had a stellar performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Norman Powell added 18 points off the bench.
Even when the Jazz mounted a fourth-quarter rally, cutting the deficit to seven points with 3:18 remaining, the Clippers held their ground. This win marked their fourth consecutive victory at the Intuit Dome, their new home arena. It’s a notable turnaround after losing their first four games in the venue.
Several players stood out for the Clippers:
– James Harden: Beyond his 20 points and record-breaking 3-pointer, Harden controlled the pace of the game with 11 assists.
– Ivica Zubac: His dominance in the paint, with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds, was critical to the Clippers’ success.
– Norman Powell: Powell’s scoring off the bench provided much-needed depth.
– Mo Bamba: In his Clippers debut, Bamba impressed with nine points and eight rebounds in just 15 minutes of action.
Struggles Continue for the Jazz
The Utah Jazz faced another tough road loss, dropping their record to 2-5 in away games this season. Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 21 points, while Lauri Markkanen added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Jazz struggled to overcome the Clippers‘ early dominance, falling to 0-2 on their current four-game road trip.
Takeaways
Clippers’ Momentum: The Clippers appear to have found their groove at the Intuit Dome. After a rocky start in their new arena, their four-game home winning streak signals a promising turnaround.
Harden’s Legacy: Harden’s milestone places him in elite company, solidifying his reputation as one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in NBA history. While he trails Stephen Curry by nearly 1,000 triples, Harden remains a force to be reckoned with.
Jazz’s Road Woes: Utah’s inability to secure wins on the road continues to hinder their progress this season. They’ll need to address these struggles quickly as their road trip continues.
James Harden’s record-breaking night was the highlight of an impressive team performance by the Clippers. As they aim to build on this momentum, Harden’s pursuit of further milestones will be a storyline to watch. Meanwhile, the Jazz must regroup to turn their season around, particularly in road games.
