The Los Angeles Clippers secured a 127-117 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, fueled by James Harden's stellar 40-point performance, which included 28 points scored in the second half. The win ended the Bucks’ impressive five-game winning streak and improved the Clippers’ standing to 26-19 for the season.
Harden, known for his scoring prowess, had 17 of his 40 points come during a game-changing third quarter where he showcased his ability to take charge when it mattered most. This marked his third 40+ point game of the season, and he also contributed with nine assists and five rebounds, helping his team find their rhythm against the Bucks.
Norman Powell also made significant contributions, netting 33 points and showcasing his sharp shooting skills throughout the game. Despite limited minutes due to restrictions following knee soreness, Kawhi Leonard added 18 efficient points for the Clippers, playing only 24 minutes but making every minute count. Ivica Zubac was another key figure for Los Angeles, contributing 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
On the other side of the court, the Bucks were led by their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 36 points and tallied 13 rebounds. Damian Lillard was effective as well, finishing with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, achieving his fifth career triple-double. Antetokounmpo’s efforts marked his sixth consecutive game with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
The game saw the Bucks holding an 11-point lead at halftime, having entered the break with momentum. Milwaukee maintained its edge with strong offensive play, but the tide began to shift as Harden unleashed his scoring abilities. Harden poured in 15 consecutive points during the third quarter, helping Los Angeles to claw back and take the lead, entering the final quarter at 94-93.
With Milwaukee struggling to keep pace, the Clippers ignited a pivotal 14-0 run early in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Powell's electrifying dunk and capped off by another three-pointer from Harden, which pushed the score to 112-100. The Bucks tried to close the gap and managed to reduce the deficit to eight with just over five minutes left on the clock; yet, the Clippers responded resiliently with quick points, putting the game out of reach for Milwaukee.
Notably, the Clippers shot flawlessly from the free-throw line, going 28-for-28, which played a pivotal role in the final outcome of the match. It underscored their ability to perform under pressure, especially against strong opponents like the Bucks. The Bucks, conversely, could not find their defensive rhythm during the second half, which proved costly as they fell short of their target score.
Looking forward, the Bucks will continue their road trip with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, aiming to get back on track after this setback. Meanwhile, the Clippers, who now have gone 3-2 over the last stretch of five games played within seven days, will host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. This victory reinforces the Clippers' determination to remain competitive and showcases Harden's impact on the game when the stakes are high.
Harden solidified his position as both the team's beacon of hope and execution, illustrating once again why he is recognized among the league’s elite players. The Clippers not only ended their losing streak against the Bucks but also demonstrated their capability to close out tight matches against top-tier teams, particularly when fueled by such commanding performances.