In a triumphant performance, James Harden spearheaded the Los Angeles Clippers to a 113-104 win against the Charlotte Hornets, breaking a two-game slump. Harden exhibited his scoring prowess with a remarkable 29-point contribution, while Paul George added 25 points to the victory. Notably absent from the game was Kawhi Leonard, sidelined due to a left hip contusion.
Ivica Zubac played a pivotal role for the Clippers, achieving a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Russell Westbrook also played a key part, contributing 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The Clippers showcased their efficiency from beyond the arc, making 41.2 percent of their three-point attempts (14 of 34), in stark contrast to the Hornets’ struggles at 20.7 percent (6 of 29) from long range.
Despite missing key players like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, the Hornets put up a fight, with Miles Bridges delivering a solid performance with 21 points and 11 rebounds. P.J. Washington and Terry Rozier each added 18 points, and Nick Richards recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Unfortunately, the Hornets extended their losing streak to eight games, remaining winless since December 8.
The game witnessed multiple lead changes and runs, with the Clippers holding a 55-50 lead at halftime. The Hornets staged a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 82-80 entering the final period. However, the Clippers responded emphatically with a 19-2 run, establishing a 103-93 lead with less than four minutes remaining. Paul George sealed the victory with a 3-pointer at 1:26, extending the Clippers’ winning streak to three games.
