James Harden leads Clippers past Nuggets with 39 points

On December 1, 2024, the Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling NBA game held in Inglewood, California. James Harden showcased an impressive performance, scoring 39 points and contributing nine rebounds and 11 assists. Despite Nikola Jokic's noteworthy triple-double, totaling 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, the Clippers prevailed with a final score of 126-122. This victory marked a significant moment for Harden, who made all his free-throw attempts and notched his 3,000th career three-pointer during the game. The Clippers displayed resilience after falling behind early, managing to rally back and take control in the fourth quarter, largely thanks to their three-pointers and clutch free-throw shooting. The game featured back-and-forth action, with both teams exchanging leads and the Nuggets briefly gaining a ten-point advantage in the third quarter. However, the Clippers responded effectively by sinking six three-pointers to regain the lead by the end of the quarter. Norman Powell also made a substantial contribution with 28 points in his return from injury, further aiding the Clippers' offensive efforts. The Clippers’ ability to capitalize on their three-point shooting, making 17 out of 21 attempts, contrasted sharply with the Nuggets' less successful shooting percentage. A critical moment came in the last seconds of the game when Jokic missed a key free throw, which could have narrowed the gap and changed the game’s outcome. The Nuggets, now with two losses against the Clippers this season, were unable to recover despite their efforts as they attempted to close the deficit with quick scores. Following this game, the Clippers will look to build momentum as they prepare for their next match against the Portland Trail Blazers. For the Nuggets, the loss against the Clippers reflects ongoing challenges they will need to address ahead of their next game against the Golden State Warriors. Nikola Jokic's performance, although statistically impressive, did not translate into a win, indicating the need for improved teamwork and execution in high-pressure situations. Overall, the matchup illustrated the competitive nature of the Western Conference as teams vie for playoff positioning, and with Harden's resurgent performance, the Clippers are positioning themselves as a formidable contender for the upcoming games.