[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Clippers finally clinched their first win since acquiring James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, ending a five-game losing streak with a victory over the Rockets. The game’s pivotal moment came when, with the score tied at 100 and under 10 seconds left, Kawhi Leonard passed to Harden who nailed a decisive three-pointer and drew a foul, securing a four-point lead. This play, crucial to their 106-100 win, also saw an unusually emotional celebration from Leonard, highlighting the game’s significance for the Clippers.
Paul George also shined in the game, contributing as the third top scorer despite a challenging shooting night. His all-around performance included 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
A strategic change also seemed to benefit the team. Russell Westbrook, coming off the bench at his own suggestion, allowed Harden more prominence in the starting lineup. This adjustment proved effective against the Rockets, with Harden excelling among the starters and Westbrook adding 8 points in 17 minutes.
This victory against a strong Western Conference team could be a pivotal moment for the Clippers. While Harden’s record with the team is just 1-5, his efficiency has been notable. Despite a lower-than-usual scoring average for the three-time scoring champion, Harden is averaging 16.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, with impressive shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc.