James Harden had an outstanding performance for the LA Clippers against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 17 points in the first quarter and finishing with 26 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals. Kawhi Leonard also shone, contributing 34 points and 9 rebounds. The Clippers secured a 131-117 victory, with the trio of Harden, Leonard, and Paul George combining for the most points scored in a game this season. Ty Lue, the Clippers' coach, expressed satisfaction with Harden's aggressive play and revealed that Harden had been working on pick and rolls with teammates after practice.
Leonard and Harden combine for 60 points as Clippers top Kings, 131-117 https://t.co/yK2EJ6qcxy
Kawhi Leonard guides Clippers to victory over Kings #KawhiLeonard #LosAngelesClippers #SacramentoKings https://t.co/JyKJI39CBn
Leonard and Harden combine for 60 points as Clippers top Kings, 131-117 https://t.co/HrUTIQjkzH
Clippers trio handled business vs. the Kings πΌ: PG: 19 PTS, 7 AST Harden: 26 PTS, 6 AST, 5 STL Kawhi: 34 PTS, 9 REB, 14-18 FG Most combined PTS scored this season π₯ https://t.co/c9SNF7EkPG
Asked Ty Lue what he did to get James Harden open the game aggressively, Lue said Harden wanted to show that he can be the James Harden that people expect him to be. Lue said Harden has stayed after practices working on pick and rolls with Zubac and Theis as well.
Kawhi Leonard tonight: 34 points 9 rebounds 3 assists 77.8 FG% https://t.co/r0I8QFBRKy
The @LAClippers handle business on the road! π΄πͺ Kawhi: 34 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST Harden: 26 PTS | 6 AST | 5 STL https://t.co/KK4ofLmJn8
Kawhi and Harden come up big to take down the Kings π https://t.co/sLE6obcgqM
Kawhi Leonard tonight: 34 PTS - 9 REB - 3 AST - 78% FG James Harden tonight: 26 PTS - 3 REB - 6 AST - 57% FG https://t.co/VWn9JMTsMB
Kawhi, PG and Harden seeing the Kings' defense tonight https://t.co/l2KNFOGOvm
Clippers up 102-81 after three. Harden has matched Clippers' high of 24 points to go with six assists. If Ty Lue could draw up shot distribution between his three big stars, it would go like tonight. Entering 4th, Kawhi has taken 15 shots, PG and Harden with 14 shots each.
James Harden's best half thus far as a Clipper: 19 points in 19 minutes, 11 true shot attempts, and 27% usage. Ten of the attempts were in high-value zones. He had no trips to the foul line and only 2 assists, but he also had just 1 turnover. https://t.co/vruDYvmMsO
Great first half by the Clippers trio of James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George tonight. Russell Westbrook, off the bench, was quiet, in limited minutes.
Kawhi buries a baseline jumper and skips off to the locker room. Clippers are up 72-50 at break. Harden - 19 pts, 4 3's, 3 rebounds, 2 asts. George: 17 pts, 4 3's 4 asts. Kawhi: 16 pts, 6 rebs. The trio has 52 of the Clippers' 72 points.
Might be best 1st half Clippers have seen from James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Harden has 19 and has shot 7-for-10. PG has 17 points with 4 triples. Kawhi has made 5-of-8 shots, has 14 points and has made presence felt defensively. This is what Clips wanted to see.
James Harden vs the Kings tonight https://t.co/wfUKlw4yWv
The Beard is having fun early in Sacramento π₯ James Harden in the first quarter against the Kings: β»οΈ 17 PTS β»οΈ 4 3PM β»οΈ 2 STL https://t.co/lU78NwPKo9
Houston Harden shows up at Sac ... where Kings are coming off a draining 24-pt comeback to finally beat rival Warriors. James Harden: 17 in the 1st as Clips make 8-12 threes. They should win this game - absolutely should avoid another 4th q collapse.
James Harden has 17 points in the first quarter. https://t.co/bvOEiff2Q7
James Harden in the 1st quarter 17 points 6/8 FGM The Beard is cooking early π¨πΎβπ³ https://t.co/QhfJ6gsq2K
Harden is cooking early in Sacramento π He's up to 17 PTS in the 1Q! πΊ Clippers-Kings | Live on NBA TV https://t.co/Vul16bXQXG
James Harden in the first quarter: 17 points 6-8 FGM 4-5 3PM π https://t.co/gNC00qNIht
James Harden in the 1st quarter: 17 Points 75% FG 80% 3P 100% FT https://t.co/h8zdfLwFRP
Harden turns defense into offense for the Clippers πͺ 17 1Q points π₯ https://t.co/eKYxyAX4zF
James Harden torches the Kings for 17 points on 6-for-8 shooting in the first quarter. Clippers lead 35-27 heading to the 2Q.
James Harden with a monster first quarter for Clippers vs. Kings tonight
Ty Lue wanted to see an aggressive James Harden shoot more tonight. Harden has opened the game shooting 4-for-4, three coming from behind the arc, for 12 points in eight minutes.
Asked Ty Lue if James Harden might be more aggressive with his shot playing with four role players around him. Lue agreed. Lue said he isnβt contemplating a starting lineup change but he did say he is considering a change to his rotation.