Harden’s Triple-Double Falls Short as Clippers Lose to Hawks

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Harden’s Triple-Double Falls Short as Clippers Lose to Hawks

In the latest NBA matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Atlanta Hawks at the Intuit Dome. Despite a valiant effort by James Harden, the Clippers fell short, losing 105-102, marking their fifth consecutive defeat.

Clippers Struggle Despite Harden’s Triple-Double

James Harden showcased his exceptional skills, finishing the game with a 35-point triple-double. He also contributed 10 rebounds and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory for the Clippers. As the game neared its conclusion, Harden’s late-game heroics included hitting a free throw after being fouled while making a three-pointer, narrowing the score to 105-102.

Game Highlights

Harden’s scoring includes 19 points in the fourth quarter on 6-of-10 shooting, with 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Ivica Zubac added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn each scored 11 points.

The Clippers started strong, driven by a 12-2 run early in the first quarter, capitalizing on the weakened Hawks’ lineup, which was missing several key players, including Trae Young. The Hawks were without Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Nikola Đurišić, yet they managed to recover from a 17-point deficit, largely thanks to Vit Krejci.

Hawks’ Comeback

Krejci was a standout for Atlanta, scoring a career-high 28 points, 17 of which came in the first half. He hit four consecutive three-pointers to help the Hawks regain the lead before halftime, tying the score at 52.

Coaching Adjustments

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue attempted to shake things up by starting John Collins, seeking to improve the team’s performance. However, lack of consistency in execution hampered their efforts. “The practices we had were really good, but it hasn’t always translated to the game,” Lue noted. The Clippers are still aiming to solidify their chemistry as they navigate the early season.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the Clippers will face another opportunity to end their losing streak when they play again on Wednesday. The urgency for improvement is palpable, especially with star player Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to an ankle injury.

This game highlighted the need for the Clippers to enhance their transition defense and maintain offensive pressure over four quarters as they seek to turn their fortunes around.