Quick Read
- James Harden recorded 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Clippers’ loss to the Hawks.
- Harden’s triple-double ties the Clippers franchise record for most in history.
- The Clippers played without Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal due to injuries.
- Vit Krejčí scored a career-high 28 points for Atlanta, including eight three-pointers.
- The Clippers have now lost five consecutive games.
Harden’s Triple-Double Headlines a Gritty Night in Los Angeles
There are nights in the NBA when a single player’s brilliance nearly bends the outcome his way, even as the final score tells another story. Monday at Crypto.com Arena was one of those nights. James Harden, the LA Clippers’ veteran point guard, delivered a masterclass: 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists—a triple-double that showcased the blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership that has defined his career (FantasyAlarm.com).
Yet, as the final buzzer sounded, it was the Atlanta Hawks who claimed a 105-102 victory, handing the Clippers their fifth straight loss. For Harden, the box score was spectacular, but the context was bittersweet.
Clippers Battle Without Key Stars, Harden Steps Up
The Clippers entered the matchup shorthanded. Kawhi Leonard remained out with an ankle injury, while Bradley Beal sat due to ongoing hip issues. With two stars sidelined, the responsibility fell heavily on Harden’s shoulders. He responded with his seventh triple-double in a Clippers uniform, tying the franchise record shared by Bob Kaufmann, Lamar Odom, and Blake Griffin (FantasyAlarm.com).
Harden’s efficiency stood out: he shot 12-of-23 from the field, hit six three-pointers, and added two blocks. His presence kept the Clippers competitive against a surging Hawks squad. But as the game wore on, the lack of supporting firepower became evident.
Ivica Zubac contributed a solid double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn chipped in with 11 points each, but the Clippers’ bench couldn’t match Atlanta’s second-half surge.
Hawks Rally Behind Career Night from Krejčí
Atlanta found its hero in Vit Krejčí, who exploded for a career-high 28 points off the bench, draining eight of ten three-pointers. Kristaps Porziņģis, back from illness, added 20 points, while Jalen Johnson notched 16 points and 10 rebounds (Los Angeles Times).
Early on, it looked like the Clippers might cruise: they led 36-19 in the second quarter. Then, the Hawks unleashed a 20-3 run, erasing the deficit and taking a 42-41 lead. Krejčí was at the heart of the comeback, hitting four threes in the run—including three in a row that electrified the Atlanta bench and silenced the home crowd.
By halftime, the teams were deadlocked at 52, with Krejčí already having made six of Atlanta’s seven threes. The Hawks edged ahead after three quarters, 79-76, and held on in a tense final stretch.
Fourth Quarter Drama: Harden Nearly Steals the Show
If you tuned in for the final period, you saw Harden at his most determined. He poured in 19 points in the fourth quarter alone, hitting six of ten shots and four of seven threes. With 5:01 left, he tied the game at 92-92 with consecutive deep shots. But each Clippers rally met a swift Hawks response—most notably from Krejčí, whose clutch three with 36 seconds left gave Atlanta a 105-98 cushion.
Harden refused to quit. He converted a dramatic four-point play with 25 seconds remaining, trimming the deficit to a single possession. The ball found him again with 12 seconds left and the Clippers trailing by three. Harden launched a tying three-point attempt—a shot that drew some criticism postgame—but it missed its mark, and Atlanta sealed the win.
For Clippers fans, the pain of another close loss was palpable. For Harden, the late miss was a bitter pill after carrying the offense all night.
What This Means for Harden and the Clippers
Harden’s seventh triple-double as a Clipper underscores his enduring ability to elevate a team, even as injuries and roster uncertainty cloud the horizon. He’s now tied for the most triple-doubles in franchise history—a milestone that seems certain to fall outright in the coming weeks. For a team reeling from five consecutive defeats, Harden’s performance is a lifeline and a challenge: can the Clippers rally as their stars return?
The loss also highlights a broader concern. The Clippers, built for depth and star power, are struggling to convert talent into wins. Atlanta’s victory, powered by unexpected contributors like Krejčí, is a reminder that in the NBA, momentum can shift in minutes, and no lead is safe.
As the season unfolds, Harden’s leadership will be crucial. The franchise needs more than heroic efforts—they need cohesion, health, and contributions across the roster. Harden’s night was proof that one man can keep hope alive, but basketball, ultimately, is a team game.
In a contest defined by individual brilliance and collective struggle, James Harden’s triple-double was both a beacon and a warning: extraordinary performances can inspire, but sustainable success demands a full team effort. The Clippers’ season hinges on whether Harden’s heroics become the foundation for a turnaround—or simply memorable highlights in a season of near-misses.