James Harden and Clippers dominate Hornets for third straight win

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Clippers guard James Harden controls the ball during a 123-88 win over the Charlotte Hornets at the Intuit Dome on Sunday. (William Liang / Associated Press)

The Clippers are trending in the right direction, and on top of it, they are becoming whole with leading scorer Norman Powell back and James Harden sustaining his high level of play.

They’ve won six of their last seven games, with the Clippers’ 123-88 blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday at the Intuit Dome pushing their winning streak to three.

“This was a good professional win,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said.

For Lue, the shift began with the Clippers playing defense at a higher level while not forcing the action.

Read more: Clippers’ strong third quarter leads to blowout of the Hawks

Before the game, Lue talked about how Harden has been a consistent force, something the All-Star proved against Charlotte with 31 points on nine-for-15 shooting. He also made four of seven three-point attempts, 10 rebounds and seven assists in just 31 minutes.

“We pretty much need to win these games,” Kawhi Leonard said after finishing with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists in 27 minutes. “Obviously James has been playing at a great level. … It’s just been a collective group [effort].”

Lue said the Clippers are comfortable playing through Leonard and Ivica Zubac more frequently. Zubac finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds and a career-high eight assists in 28 minutes.

“It’s been great,” Leonard said about Zubac’s play, especially the center’s passing ability. “Like I said, if the other team is switching or if we need a basket, he’s able to relieve us and with his efficiency. The other team is seeing that and bringing two guys to him and he’s making the right play.”

In addition, Lue has integrated Bogdan Bogdanovic (seven points, four rebounds) and Ben Simmons (three assists, zero points) more into the fold. It has all added up to the Clippers playing with greater purpose.

“Just trying to fit all these pieces together,” Lue said. “We have [14] games to do it, which is more than enough time if we just lock in and understand…

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Publish date : 2025-03-17 01:37:00

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