James Harden put on a show at the Intuit Dome, scoring 50 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 123-115 victory over the Detroit Pistons on March 5, 2025. Harden, having worked closely with current Clippers coach J.B. Bickerstaff during their time together at the Houston Rockets, utilized his experience and skill set to dominate, particularly excelling at drawing fouls, which allowed him to attempt 20 free throws on the night, converting 16 of them.
"Give him a ton of credit, but if you are not allowed to put your body on him legally, and he is allowed to shoot 20 free throws, you are not going to be able to guard him," Bickerstaff commented, highlighting how challenging it is to defend against such elite offensive talent.
Despite the defeat, Cade Cunningham showed brilliance for the Pistons, finishing the game with 37 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, falling just short of his third triple-double of the season. Cunningham, who has been on fire averaging 33.0 points during the first part of their four-game West Coast road trip, remarked on Harden’s skills, saying, "He is one of the best iso (isolation) scorers this league has ever seen.
"Cunningham's strong performance underscored his recovery from previous scoring struggles, having dropped 11 and 15 points respectively in the games leading up to this one. The game had its ups and downs for both teams, with the Pistons momentarily taking the lead during the fourth quarter on an impressive dunk by Isaiah Stewart. At the 8:47 mark, Cunningham hit a timely 3-pointer, which tied the score at 97.
Unfortunately for Detroit, their lead was short-lived. The Clippers, spurred by Harden’s offensive prowess and support from players like Bogdan Bogdanović, who netted 23 points, quickly reclaimed momentum. Bogdanović's three-pointer triggered a 10-0 run, restoring control for the Clippers.
From the start, Harden set the pace for the Clippers, scoring 23 points during the first quarter, which helped the team to jump out to an initial 13-point lead. Yet, the Pistons rallied back with their own 13-2 run, showcasing strong contributions from Dennis Schröder, who ended the match with 21 points, adding key exits as he went 5-for-9 from beyond the arc.
The night was not without its trials for both teams. The Pistons struggled with their shooting accuracy, completing 30.3% of their attempts from three, compared to the Clippers' impressive 52.4% shooting (13-for-24) from long range. This disparity played a significant role as the game progressed.
Looking to stay competitive, the Pistons have faced challenges with roster availability, as starting forward Tobias Harris missed his second consecutive game due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Isaiah Stewart made his return after sitting out due to a lower back contusion, contributing 10 points and six rebounds over 22 minutes of play.
Despite this loss, the Pistons are still positioned competitively, remaining 35-28 on the season, currently holding sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They will look to bounce back from this defeat as they continue their road trip, facing the Golden State Warriors next on March 8.
Bickerstaff's admiration for Harden’s performance was evident as he reflected on their relationship from the Rockets days. "These skills aren't things just formed overnight. They are the results of relentless hard work and observation of the game," he noted, portraying Harden as not just another great player but as one who constantly refines his craft.
While Harden garnered the headlines, Cunningham's growth as he led the Pistons cannot be overlooked. His contributions have solidified his role as not just the future but as the present of Detroit basketball. The young guard’s relationship with Bickerstaff, who has mentored players including Darius Garland, indicates he is on the path to greatness as he persistently improves through experiences like these high-pressure games against superstars.
The shared moments on the court between these two players and their respective coaches lay the groundwork for the next chapter of their NBA stories. The Clippers' impressive win and the Pistons' resilience signal the dynamic nature of the league, where future matchups are always around the corner.