Darian Vaziri here, the host of the daily Locked On Clippers podcast, with your daily Locked On Clippers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Clippers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
How James Harden Led The LA Clippers Past Denver....Again
Dec 1, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) plays for the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Clippers Triumph Over Nuggets: A Night to Remember
The Los Angeles Clippers secured a thrilling victory against the Denver Nuggets, marking one of their most impressive wins of the season. The atmosphere was electric, with fans filling the arena with energy and excitement. The Clippers’ performance was highlighted by James Harden’s standout game, showcasing his ability to dominate against a formidable opponent like the Nuggets.
James Harden’s Stellar Performance
James Harden delivered an exceptional performance, proving his prowess on the court. His ability to play the entire second half without a break was nothing short of remarkable. Harden’s strategic play exploited the Nuggets’ defense, particularly targeting Nikola Jokic in pick-and-roll situations. This game marked the 24th time Harden and Jokic faced off, with Harden holding a 16-8 winning record against the Nuggets’ star.
Harden’s impact was evident as he orchestrated plays that led to open shots and scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to navigate through the Nuggets’ defense, whether they were hedging or in drop coverage, was a testament to his skill and experience. Harden’s performance was a key factor in the Clippers’ victory, as he consistently found ways to score and assist, keeping the team ahead.
Norman Powell’s Impactful Return
Norman Powell made a significant return to the lineup, contributing crucial points and maintaining his efficiency on the court. Powell’s ability to score consistently, especially from beyond the arc, provided the Clippers with the offensive boost they needed. His presence on the court was felt immediately, as he seamlessly integrated back into the team’s dynamics.
Powell’s shooting accuracy and ability to capitalize on open shots were instrumental in the Clippers’ success. His performance, alongside Harden’s, formed a formidable backcourt that the Nuggets struggled to contain. Powell’s return added depth to the Clippers’ roster, enhancing their offensive capabilities and providing a reliable scoring option.
The Clippers’ victory over the Nuggets was a testament to their resilience and strategic gameplay. With Harden leading the charge and Powell making a strong comeback, the team demonstrated their potential to compete at a high level. The win not only boosted the Clippers’ confidence but also solidified their standing in the league.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
**Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:**
- Russell Westbrook’s return and defensive contributions
- Terrence Mann’s role and performance highlights
- Analysis of the Clippers’ defensive strategies against the Nuggets
- The impact of the Clippers’ homegrown talent on the team’s success
December 1, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada/Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
You’d be forgiven if, a quarter of the way through the season (yes), you haven’t given the following teams that much attention. Maybe your main rooting interest has been struggling, and it’s taken all your psychic energy to will them through the slump. Better yet, maybe your team is thriving and you’ve been enjoying the ride. Maybe you’re still looking for a team to get behind, in which case, the following three franchises would make great options.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks being on this list has not alleviated my general wariness of the Hawks as a whole, but they’ve been playing through some of the things that make me doubt them. First, the Hawks love to play up. That is, they tend to excel against technically better and markedly more skilled teams; teams farther along the competitive timeline that I always get they feeling Atlanta would rather emulate than put the work in to be at the same level with.
This season, the Hawks are still playing up — they’ve beat the best in conference Cavaliers twice — but they’re recognizing what should be easy wins, like against the Charlotte Hornets. With Trae Young injured and in and out of the lineup, Atlanta’s bench has provided some of the most needed and entertaining offensive bursts in the league, with De’Andre Hunter back with a vengeance after being out for 10 games with a knee injury. Hunter’s regularly putting up 20-plus points per night, and hounding the glass.
Atlanta has a string of high-low games this week, facing the Pelicans, Bucks, Lakers and Nuggets, which should be an ample test to whether they can play and stay consistent.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Milestone James Harden reacted to making NBA history during the Clippers’ game against the Nuggets. His achievement adds another remarkable feat to his illustrious career. (Sports Illustrated)
Milestone James Harden joined Steph Curry on a historic NBA list, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats. This milestone highlights his enduring excellence. (Sports Illustrated)
Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:30 PM | Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA) | Get Tickets
Timberwolves @ Clippers
Wednesday, Dec. 04 | 7:30 PM | Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA) | Get Tickets
Rockets @ Clippers
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA) | Get Tickets
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
How LA Clippers Got Destroyed By Boston Celtics In a game where the Celtics dominated with a 126-94 victory, the LA Clippers faced their toughest loss of the NBA season. This episode breaks down the Clippers’ challenges guarding Boston, highlighting the Celtics’ impressive three-point shooting and basketball style.
How James Harden Had His Highest Scoring Game As A Clipper James Harden dazzles with a scoring explosion, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding victory over the Washington Wizards. Can the Clippers maintain this momentum in the NBA?
