INGLEWOOD, Calif.- – —James Harden explodes in the second half to finish with 40 points as the Clippers knockoff the Milwaukee Bucks 127-117 on Saturday night.
Harden scored 28 of his 40 points in the second half as he went “nuclear” starting in the third quarter. He scored 19 points in the third.
Norman Powell had a big performance himself as he scored 33 points to help the Clippers pick up the late win.
“Attacking, getting downhill, putting pressure in the paint. I think Whi [Kawhi Leonard] started off really good in the third quarter,” Powell said. “Myself as well then got a layup and then was able to loosen the defense up and get some threes off and then James [Harden] took over late in the third.”
The fourth quarter was all Los Angeles as they took control. They went into the period up 94-93 after Harden’s offensive onslaught got the offense going.
He and Powell took over the final period for the Clippers.
“We are on the court a lot more. So, the communication, the trust to have each other back is there a lot more than it has been since I’ve been here and vice versa. He trusts me, I trust him” said Harden of the Powell.
Though the offense was potent in the fourth quarter it was the defense that stole the show. Los Angeles only allowed 24 points in the quarter and forced seven Milwaukee turnovers.
The Bucks gave the Clippers all they can handle as Giannis Antetokounmp scored 36 points with 13 rebounds and Damian Lillard added 29 points, 10 assists & 10 rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard chipped in 18 points in 24 minutes with a couple highlight-reel plays.
This was the second straight win for Los Angeles who when healthy look like one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
The Clippers are back in action on Monday night as they hit the road for four game starting off with a matchup with Suns in Phoenix.
