James Harden and Norman Powell lead the Clippers to victory over the Bucks
The Clippers knew their elite defense would come under pressure from an NBA All-Star-led Milwaukee Bucks team. Giannis Antetokounmpo. They knew their stellar defense would be tested by one of the best shooting teams in the NBA, a team on a five-game winning streak.
The Clippers were resolute in the face of these challenges, as James Harden and Norman Powell combined for 73 points in an impressive game. Win 127-117 over Milwaukee on Saturday at the Intuit Dome.
“We just kept our composure, got down 11 early, battled, and found ways to win the game,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “…James was amazing. We got off to a good start in the first quarter, and late in that first quarter and then the third and fourth quarters were great. Norm was good too.
Harden scored 17 of his game-high 40 points in the third quarter and his powerful shooting helped the Clippers take a one-point lead heading into the fourth. Harden, who scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and finished with nine assists, is one of six players in the NBA to have had three or more 40-point games this season.
“It’s time to go, time to go,” Harden said. “It’s time for us to try to be more assertive in this game, and we will succeed.”
Powell was on offense throughout the game and scored 33 points. It was his eighth 30-plus point game this season, the best of his career. He had 14 points in the fourth quarter, helping Los Angeles pull away.
“We all stuck together,” Powell said. “Up, down calls. No calls. No matter what, no one was hanging their heads. Everyone was rooting for each other…and we dug deep. It started out defensively.”
Kawhi Leonard continued to play limited minutes upon his return from a knee injury, scoring 18 points on 8-for-17 shooting in 24 minutes.
Antetokounmpo lived up to being one of the league’s best players, entering the game second in scoring (31.3 points) and fifth in rebounds (12.0). He had 36 points, 13 rebounds and went 11-for-13 from the free throw line.
Damian Lillard recorded a triple-double, recording 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He was 16 for 17 from the line.
The win capped a 3-2 week for the Clippers (26-19), with their win over the Bucks (25-18) being the most impressive.
“I think like you guys [in the media] “I pretty much just watched the game go back and forth, stay calm,” Leonard said. “Staying calm with Giannis and Lillard getting to the line. They’re scoring the ball very well and easily. And just fighting those moments and coming out of our timeouts and executing. Like I said, James and Norm are playing amazing basketball individually.”