Clippers' Big Three Explode for 82+22+10, Harden Leads the League, Tyronn Lue Announces Good News
The Western Conference standings are currently led by the Thunder, who have a significant lead over the second-place team by as many as five games. The Grizzlies, Rockets, Mavericks, Clippers, Nuggets, and Lakers occupy the second to seventh positions, with a maximum difference of 2.5 games between them. After defeating the Pelicans, the Clippers have moved up to fifth place in the West, and with Harden and Powell's performances, they still have a chance to return to the top four.
The game between the Clippers and the Pelicans was intense, with the Pelicans, despite having the worst record in the West, exploding under the leadership of McCollum and Tre Murphy, scoring 37 points in a single quarter to take the lead over the Clippers. Powell and Harden scored successively to help the Clippers narrow the gap. In the third quarter, Harden hit three consecutive three-pointers and teamed up with Zubac to level the score. In the final quarter, the two teams' scores alternated, eventually tying, and in the decisive moments, Harden made crucial free throws to secure the victory for the Clippers.
McCollum, the Pelicans' star player, scored 33 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal on 12-of-25 shooting. Tre Murphy contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals on 6-of-10 shooting. Dejounte Murray struggled with his shooting, going 6-of-16 for 13 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6 steals. Herbert Jones had 18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals on 6-of-10 shooting. Misi added 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks. All five starters for the Pelicans scored in double figures, playing well but ultimately unable to win due to the Clippers' explosive trio.
Powell, the Clippers' top scorer, went 13-of-27 for 35 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Harden scored 27 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, showing no hesitation in creating fouls and scoring in the clutch despite a subpar shooting performance. Zubac went 9-of-13 for 20 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Together, the Clippers' trio combined for 82 points, 22 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the team to a great comeback. Little Derrick Jones went 5-of-10 for 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Powell has been playing like a superstar this season. According to ESPN, in his last six games, Powell has averaged 29.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals, with a shooting percentage of 55.3% and a three-point percentage of 48.8%, helping the Clippers to a 5-1 record. Powell's three-point shooting accuracy this season is 45.8%, the highest among players averaging more than eight three-point attempts per game in the league. Harden is averaging 22.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.5 steals this season, with two 30+ point halves, ranking first in the league.
Coach Tyronn Lue of the Clippers announced good news, with Leonard expected to return in the game against the Hawks. Additionally, Clippers' management is actively seeking trades to strengthen the team, willing to offer a first-round pick and Hield + Tucker in exchange for a scorer, such as Sexton from the Jazz. The Clippers are not yet at championship level and need Leonard back, along with stronger support, so let's look forward to Leonard's return and potential mid-season trades for the Clippers.