Clippers Overcome Warriors in Absence of Stars: James Harden Shines

by

Dec 15, 2023

In a late-night showdown in Los Angeles, it was the Clippers taking on the Warriors, and the game had its fair share of storylines. Golden State was without the services of Draymond Green, who was slapped with an indefinite suspension by the NBA’s league office earlier in the week. The absence of Green left the Warriors slightly shorthanded, but Klay Thompson stepped up in a big way, scoring an impressive 30 points.

On the other side, the Clippers were also missing a key player, with Paul George sidelined. However, James Harden, in his Clippers jersey, delivered his best performance yet, putting up 28 points and dishing out 15 assists. The Clippers managed to secure the victory and covered the spread as a 5.5-point home favorite, winning 121-113.

This win for the Clippers was significant, as it showcased their ability to compete even when their superstars are sidelined. It’s a testament to their depth and resilience as a team. James Harden’s performance was particularly noteworthy, and it appears that he is finding his rhythm with his new team following a somewhat turbulent transition from the Philadelphia 76ers.

The game exemplified how superstar teams should react when faced with adversity. Even without a key player, the Clippers demonstrated that they can still pull out a win. This is a quality that some other teams, like the Phoenix Suns, may need to learn.

For the Golden State Warriors, it was more of the same. While they managed to stay within the 5.5-point spread, relying heavily on the Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry, to deliver big numbers on a nightly basis is a challenging proposition. With a record of 10-14, every loss for the Warriors adds pressure to their season.

In terms of betting, the total points scored in the game trended towards the under, indicating that the game’s pace and scoring fell short of expectations.

As the season progresses, both the Clippers and the Warriors will be looking to solidify their positions in the highly competitive Western Conference. While the Clippers showcased their depth and resilience, the Warriors will need to find ways to become more competitive, especially when facing adversity due to player absences. The NBA season is long, and every game counts, making each victory and loss significant in the race for playoff contention.

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Thumbnail photo via Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

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