Inglewood, Calif. - In an electrifying match on Saturday night, James Harden delivered an impressive 40-point performance to guide the Los Angeles Clippers to a 127-117 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks. This victory brought an end to the Bucks' strong five-game winning streak.
Notably, Norman Powell made a significant contribution with 33 points, while Kawhi Leonard added 18 points over just three quarters, further solidifying the Clippers' win. On the Bucks' side, Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his prowess by scoring 36 points, complementing it with 13 rebounds and making an efficient 12 out of 15 free throws. Damian Lillard also put on a remarkable show with 29 points and notched his second triple-double in two days, recording 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
During the initial stages of the game, the Clippers found themselves trailing by 11 points, with Harden contributing 12 points by halftime. However, the momentum shifted in the third quarter when Harden erupted with 17 points, putting up an impressive solo scoring spree of 15 successive points, helping the Clippers secure a narrow 94-93 lead by the period’s end.
The fourth quarter saw the Bucks consistently playing catch-up after initially holding a slender three-point lead. A turning point occurred when Powell's highlight-reel dunk propelled the team into a decisive 14-0 run, which was completed by Harden hitting a crucial 3-pointer, extending the lead to 112-100.
This victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Clippers against the Bucks and showcased a flawless performance at the free-throw line, where they converted all 28 attempts. This achievement was emphasized in a game that saw the score tied 17 times, underscoring the competitive nature of the contest.
The Bucks, who now hold an 8-11 record on the road, were held below their season-average scoring of 126 points. Lillard's triple-double against the Clippers was a continuation of his stellar form, having achieved the same feat against Miami on Thursday, marking the fifth triple-double of his career.
Looking forward, the Milwaukee Bucks will visit Utah on Monday night, hoping to regain their winning momentum. Meanwhile, the Clippers are set to begin a four-game road trip, starting with their game against the Phoenix Suns on the same night.
