Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden scores in opposition to Memphis Grizzlies middle Bismack Biyombo through the second half of an NBA basketball recreation in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. (AP Picture/Damian Dovarganes)
LOS ANGELES — What a distinction a month makes for James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers.
After struggling in November and making an attempt to include Harden into the lineup after he was acquired in a Nov. 1 commerce with Philadelphia, the Clippers closed a profitable December with a 117-106 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies within the NBA on Friday evening.
Paul George scored 23 factors whereas Harden added 16 factors and 13 assists for the Clippers, who had been 11-2 in December, one of the best mark within the Western Convention for this month.
“I give credit score to our teaching employees and gamers for simply working by way of all that adversity once we misplaced six video games in a row (in November) and simply making an attempt to determine it out,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue mentioned. “As soon as we found out our rotations and the way we needed the way to play, we’ve needed to win video games alternative ways, ugly generally. We’re doing a little good issues and I like our perspective proper now.”
The Clippers entered December three video games beneath .500 on the season. They started the month with 9 straight wins for his or her longest successful streak since 2015-16. Los Angeles was lacking Kawhi Leonard for the fourth straight recreation on account of a left hip contusion and has gone 2-2.
Harden has picked up a few of the scoring slack with Leonard not within the lineup. He’s averaging 20.5 factors in Leonard’s absence, which is three factors greater than his season common.
“We didn’t count on to be a success immediately. And it nonetheless isn’t nowhere close to we have to be,” mentioned Harden, who had his sixth double-double of the season. “Tonight and over the past couple video games, when somebody like Kawhi is out you want me to attain and play make just a little bit extra. We’re studying one another extra recreation by recreation. It’s clearly enjoyable if you end up successful.”
Ivica Zubac added a season-high 20 rebounds together with 15 factors for his fifth double-double in his final seven video games.
The Clippers had seven gamers rating in double figures. At 19-12, they lead the Pacific Division by a half-game over Sacramento and are fourth within the West.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Good scored 22 apiece for the Grizzlies. Ja Morant had 19 factors and 10 assists. Morant is averaging 26.8 factors in 5 video games since getting back from a 25-game suspension to start the season.
“Yeah, I imply, it’s a unique ballgame. Slightly extra consolation in my job as I’m going on the market and make it simpler for them. Discover them simpler seems to be, that’s simply my position on this group,” Morant mentioned in regards to the early outcomes of his return.
The Clippers led a lot of the recreation. A dunk by Daniel Theis 30 seconds into the fourth quarter gave them a 96-75 benefit earlier than Memphis started to rally.
Memphis scored 12 straight factors to open a 22-9 run over a four-minute span. Good’s 3-pointer with 6:03 remaining acquired the Grizzlies inside 105-97 earlier than the Clippers furthered their lead.
NEXT SCHEDULE
Grizzlies: Host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
Clippers: Host the Miami Warmth on Monday.