The Los Angeles Clippers are riding an incredible wave of success, securing their NBA-best eighth consecutive win after a dominating 151-127 victory over the Pacers. James Harden, the linchpin in this victory, showcased a vintage performance with an impressive 35-point display, including a career-high 21 points in the fourth quarter alone.
Harden’s remarkable performance during a four-minute stretch in the final quarter saw him sink four challenging 3-pointers, highlighting his pivotal role in the Clippers’ recent surge. With a stunning 12-of-16 shooting, including 8-of-11 from beyond the arc, Harden epitomized the caliber the Clippers anticipated when acquiring him from the 76ers.
Kawhi Leonard, appreciating Harden’s remarkable show, described it as an enthralling experience. Meanwhile, Paul George praised his teammate’s resurgence, labeling it as reminiscent of the vintage Harden, creating awe-inspiring plays off the dribble and exhibiting unparalleled space creation.
However, it wasn’t solely Harden who shone brightly for the Clippers. Leonard contributed 28 points, and George added 27, with Leonard consistently performing at a superstar level throughout this winning streak, averaging 29.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists on a remarkable 62.3% shooting.
Harden’s impact extended beyond scoring, displaying a remarkable shooting streak during this run and amplifying his playmaking abilities with 36 assists in the last three games and an average of 9.5 assists during the winning streak. Coach Tyronn Lue highlighted Harden’s versatility in contributing to the team’s success, emphasizing his commitment to aiding Leonard and George while prioritizing victories over individual statistics.
The Clippers’ recent victories, often secured by double-digit margins, including high-scoring triumphs over notable teams, underscore their impressive streak. This eight-game run stands as the franchise’s longest since 2015-16 and has seen them emerge as the top-scoring team in the league, with the 151 points against the Pacers marking a franchise record.
Despite the accolades, Los Angeles Clippers remain steadfast in their ultimate goal of championship contention. Leonard emphasized the team’s focus on the season’s end goal, striving to be the last team standing while acknowledging the significance of their current winning streak.
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