In the city of angels, the celestial basketball spectacle continues to dazzle as the Los Angeles Clippers or shall we say, 'the rising comets’ of the NBA, marked their sixth straight victory. This 121-113 triumph was against none other than the struggling warriors from the Golden State.
A waltz of a performance from James Harden, who not only scored his 25,000th career point but also racked up 28 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds. Not far behind was Kawhi Leonard adding his master-strokes with 27 points and eight rebounds. A combination that could make the heavens move, wouldn't you say?
The Clippers had to brave their first game this term without Paul George due to injury. Yet, they managed to flick away the Warriors' late challenge courtesy of Norman Powell's decisive 10 points in the fourth quarter. This celestial play from the Clippers has resulted in a stunning 11 wins in 14 games and an invincible 5-0 at home in the cosy month of December.
On the flip side, the Warriors fought their battles with their star warrior, Klay Thompson, leading the frontline with a season-best 30, including eight 3-pointers. Alas, the Warriors couldn't conquer their opponents as they have now lost a somber 12 out of 16 games.
Stephen Curry, once the golden heart of the team, was devoid of that Midas touch this game, posting 17 points in all, shooting a mere 5-of-17. Furthermore, the team's morale took a hit due to the ill-timed suspension of Draymond Green for his overly aggressive play in recent games. One can't help but notice the stark contrast between Green's four suspensions in 2023 alone and the Clippers' largely healthy roster.
Regrettably, George ended up missing his first game of the season due to a left hip injury against Sacramento. Though Coach Tyronn Lue seems optimistic about the severity of the injury, George's absence certainly adds a different stroke to the Clippers' canvas.
Adding to the vibrant palette, both teams had to tweak their regular starting lineups owing to key absences. Golden State enlisted the talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski replacing Green and Andrew Wiggins, while the Clippers' entrusted Amir Coffey with George's starting role.
Harden, the latest addition to the Clippers galaxy, swiftly adjusted and shone brightly, amassing 25,000 points in his illustrious career. A testament to his enduring brilliance! All the while, Leonard has kept up his streak, appearing in every game, thus defying the tradition of frequent rests that marred his previous seasons with the Clippers.
In summary, Warriors might have come close, but they could not claim the victory. They went scoreless for three long minutes in the crucial fourth quarter, further expanding the Clippers' celestial aura. So, what's next on the horizon, you ask? On Saturday, while the Warriors will face off against the Brooklyn Nets, the Clippers will brace themselves for a challenge from the New York Knicks. Stay tuned; the heavenly spectacle of the NBA continues!
