THE Clippers knew their top-notch defense would be put to the test by an NBA All-Star-led Milwaukee Bucks team Giannis Antetokounmpo. They knew their excellent 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 determined in the face of these challenges, with James Harden and Norman Powell combining for 73 points in an impressive Victory 127-117 against Milwaukee on Saturday at the Intuit Dome.
“Just keeping our composure, being down 11 early, fighting back, finding ways to win the game,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “…James was spectacular. He got us off to a good start in that first quarter, at the end of that first quarter, and then in the third and fourth he was huge. Norm was also good throughout the sequence.
Learn more: Tyronn Lue is not happy with what he sees from the Clippers in the win against the Wizards
Harden scored 17 of his 40 points in the third quarter, his hot shooting helping the Clippers open a one-point lead heading into the fourth. Harden, who scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and completed nine assists, is one of six NBA players to have three or more 40-point games this season.
“It was time to go, it was time to go,” Harden said. “It’s time to try to assert ourselves more in this game, and take it forward.”
Powell was on the offensive all game, scoring 33 points. It was his eighth 30+ point game this season, a career high. He had 14 points in the fourth quarter, helping Los Angeles pull ahead.
“We all stuck together,” Powell said. “Calls up and down. No calls. Regardless, no one lowered their heads. Everyone was rooting…and we dug deep. It started defensively.
Kawhi Leonard continued to play limited minutes in his return from a knee injury, scoring 18 points on eight-of-17 shooting in 24 minutes.
Antetokounmpo lived up to the image of one of the league’s best players, who entered the game second in scoring (31.3 points) and fifth in rebounding (12.0). He had 36 points and 13 rebounds and made 11 of 13 from the free throw line.
Damian Lillard had a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He was 16 out of 17 on the line.
This victory caps a 3-2 week for the Clippers (26-19), their victory against the Bucks (25-18) being the most impressive of the streak.
“I guess like you guys (in the media) pretty much saw the back and forth of the game, staying calm,” Leonard said. “Stay calm with Giannis and Lillard coming to the line. They score the ball very well and easily. And just fighting through those moments, coming out of our downtime and executing. Like I said, James and Norm play tremendous one-on-one basketball.
Learn more: Celtics (missing two key players) rally to defeat short-handed Clippers in overtime
This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
