INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — James Harden's explosive start propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 144-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night, reaching their highest score of the season.
display: norman powell led the way with 29 points. Ivica Zubac also made his presence known with 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Amir Coffey added 16 points. This victory was particularly sweet for the Clippers as they quickly halted their three-game losing streak and recovered from two consecutive losses at home.
Harden's performance was particularly noteworthy; scoring 24 of his game-high 41 points during the first quarter, he quickly established dominance on the court. By halftime, he had already amassed 34 points, fueling the Clippers to a staggering 81-47 lead. This score marked the most points the Clippers have scored before halftime since December 2019 when they put up 82 points against the Washington Wizards.
The Clippers excelled offensively, shooting 63.4 percent from the field during the first half and finishing with 59.8 percent for the game. Their success from beyond the arc was also impressive, converting 53.8 percent of their three-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Jazz struggled defensively, failing to contain the Clippers' shooting performance.
Utah's performance was led by Jordan Clarkson, who scored 20 points, supported by Lauri Markkanen with 17 points and Collin Sexton added 15. Unfortunately for the Jazz, this marked their third consecutive loss and extended their struggles to eight defeats in their last nine games. They now sit at 3-10 on the road this season.
Despite the setback for the Jazz, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was buoyed by the energy his team displayed. The return of key players like Harden, who missed previous games due to injury, invigorated the team. "Having the time off was very valuable to get James back healthy with Derrick Jones Jr. being out," Lue stated. Harden's versatility was on full display as he demonstrated not only his scoring ability but also playmaking skills with six assists on the night.
The highlight of the first quarter came when Harden sank a remarkable 29-foot three-pointer, bringing his points for the quarter to 24, where he outscored the entire Jazz team by four points. His accomplishment stood as the second-most points scored by any player during one quarter for the Clippers, just behind Lou Williams' 27 points during a game against Golden State back in January 2018.
Lue's strategic decisions, aligned with the team's preparation, clearly paid off, creating an atmosphere of resilience and determination within the squad. He mentioned, "There is more energy in practices as Kawhi Leonard moves closer to his season debut," alluding to the excitement around Leonard's potential return.
Although Leonard was sidelined again for this matchup—a reality continuing to frustrate fans and analysts alike—Lue hinted at the possibility of Leonard traveling with the Clippers for their upcoming games against the Dallas Mavericks.
“That hasn’t been determined yet, so we’ll see going forward after tonight,” Lue explained. The chance of adding Leonard, who is recovering from knee inflammation, could be just what the team needs as they look to bolster their chances moving forward.
Harden echoed the anticipation of adding Leonard back to the roster, stating, “We’re going to be more excited to have him when he can be in full practice.” His enthusiasm radiates optimism for the Clippers' future, especially as they gear up for the next few games.
The Clippers’ dominant win over the Jazz not only showcased their offensive prowess but also provided valuable momentum as they prepare for their next contest. Newly invigorated, the team looks to challenge the Dallas Mavericks on their upcoming road trip, sparking hopes for continued improvement.
The Clippers (15-12) now have their eyes set on the future, feeling confident heading toward their next matchup following this emphatic victory at home.