James Harden’s impressive 29-point performance, with 20 coming in the first half, spearheaded the Los Angeles Clippers’ 113-104 rebound win over the Charlotte Hornets during Tuesday’s NBA action.
The victory marked a crucial turnaround for the Clippers, who had been grappling with a two-game losing streak and the absence of star player Kawhi Leonard due to a left hip contusion. Paul George contributed significantly with 25 points, while Ivica Zubac added a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
The Clippers’ determination to bounce back was evident, especially after their recent 37-point loss to the Boston Celtics. Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the game’s difficulty but praised the team’s defensive effort. Russell Westbrook played a key role in filling Leonard’s shoes, delivering a dynamic performance off the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
“I knew it was going to be a tough game, but it was a good bounce-back win for us,” Lue said. “Defensively, we were pretty good.”
Despite the Hornets’ struggle, Miles Bridges put up a strong fight with 21 points and 11 rebounds, accompanied by Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington, who each scored 18 points. The Hornets, who have been without LaMelo Ball since late November, faced their eighth consecutive loss, highlighting their challenges this season.
“We had a lot of mistakes toward the end of the fourth quarter, which led to our loss, obviously, but for the most part, we played a great game,” Washington said. “We played a great third quarter. Obviously, we have a lot to work on, but we did a better job than before.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
The game saw the Clippers lead by as much as 10 points in the first half. However, the Hornets fought back, narrowing the gap to 55-50 by halftime. In the third quarter, the Clippers regained their 10-point lead, only to see it erased by a 26-9 run from the Hornets.
The Clippers responded urgently, regaining control with a 19-2 run, cementing their lead with key contributions from Zubac and George.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
George’s performance from the three-point line was notable, hitting five out of 11 attempts, while Harden made half of his 12 three-point attempts. The team’s collective effort from beyond the arc was a significant factor in their win.
“We’re next man up, keep the ship going,” George said. “When (Leonard) comes back, he’ll be healthy and we continue to rock. Regardless of who’s in, who’s out, our job is to continue to keep going.”
Looking ahead, the Hornets face the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Clippers prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies, continuing their journey in the NBA season.
