On December 31, 2024, Beijing time, the NBA regular season saw the 5-win and 27-loss Pelicans host the 18-win and 13-loss Clippers. On paper, the Pelicans were not considered strong opponents for the Clippers. Could the Clippers secure a stable victory? The Pelicans were without Ingram and Zion, with their starting lineup consisting of Murray, McCollum, Herbert Jones, Murphy, and Missi. The Clippers were missing Leonard and Mann, with their starting lineup featuring Harden, Dunn, Powell, Derrick Jones, and Zubac. In the first quarter, Murray made a mid-range shot, to which Derrick Jones responded with a three-pointer. Murphy and Herbert Jones scored four points in a row, giving the Pelicans a 6-3 lead. Zubac then scored four points, followed by five points from Herbert Jones and a layup from Murphy, extending the Pelicans' lead to 13-7. Harden hit a three-pointer, and Dunn made a steal and dunk, reducing the gap to one point. McCollum responded with a three-pointer, but Harden countered with a 3+1, leveling the score. Herbert Jones made a layup, but Zubac and Derrick Jones responded, allowing the Clippers to take a two-point lead. Murray and Missi scored, while Powell and Harden responded, keeping the difference at two points. Green, McCollum, and Murphy then hit consecutive three-pointers. Although Porter and Coffey responded, the Pelicans managed to regain a five-point lead. Coffey made two free throws, and Hawkins hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer, ending the first quarter with the Pelicans leading 37-31. In the second quarter, Ties made a jump shot, extending the Pelicans' lead to eight points. Powell and…

On December 31st, Beijing time, the Clippers made a comeback against the Pelicans with a score of 116-113, securing their third consecutive win. Harden had a high efficiency in this game, but unfortunately, he had more turnovers. In the final quarter, while Harden was on the bench, Powell exploded and led the team to overtake. After Harden returned, he controlled the rhythm, making four crucial free throws and committing a decisive foul, ultimately leading the Clippers to victory. Powell scored 35 points, while Harden had 27 points, 4 assists, and 6 turnovers. The Pelicans also employed the Box One defense strategy against Harden, with Murphy following him throughout the game, from the backcourt, sticking to Harden. It's worth noting that Murphy stands at 2.03 meters tall with a wingspan of 2.16 meters, which proves that Harden is a top superstar in the league. Previously, when the Clippers faced the Warriors, Kerr also used the Box One strategy to defend against Harden. Despite the tough circumstances, Harden was still able to score, breaking through the double-team for a 2+1 in the first quarter. He shot 6 for 3, 4 for 2 from three-point range, and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line, scoring 10 points and 1 rebound. In the second quarter, after resting for 6 minutes, Harden's shooting dropped, going 0 for 2 and only getting 2 assists, ending the half with 10 points and 2 assists. In the second half, Harden hit a difficult step-back three-pointer against Dejounte Murray, followed by another three-pointer from the corner off a pass…

On December 31st, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Clippers visiting the Pelicans. The Pelicans started hot and took control of the game, with a 18-2 run in the second quarter to open up the lead. Powell scored consecutively to narrow the gap, and in the second half, both teams were locked in a seesaw battle. The Clippers caught up in the final quarter, and at the critical moment, Harden made four free throws in a row, helping the Clippers defeat the Pelicans 116-113 and secure their third consecutive win. In this game, both teams were initially locked in a seesaw battle. The Pelicans had good shooting and took the initiative with both inside and outside scoring. Harden hit consecutive three-pointers to help his team catch up, but the Pelicans responded with more outside shots to regain the lead. Hawkins even hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, giving the Pelicans a six-point lead. In the second quarter, the Clippers' offense suddenly slumped, while the Pelicans continued to score from both inside and outside, launching an 18-2 run to extend the lead to 14 points. Powell scored consecutively to reduce the gap, and by halftime, the Clippers had successfully narrowed the gap to 56-62 behind the Pelicans. In the second half, the Pelicans maintained their excellent offensive form and continued to suppress the Clippers. Harden scored consecutively, and Xiaoqiongs performed consecutive dunks, successfully reducing the gap. By the end of the third quarter, the gap was down to only three points. In the…

In a recent game, the Clippers defeated the Warriors 102-92 and currently hold the fifth spot in the Western Conference with a win rate close to 60%. This win rate is reminiscent of James Harden's time in Philadelphia, where he led the team to a 63% win rate when Joel Embiid was not playing. However, Harden's performance with the Clippers is slightly lower than his solo efforts in Philadelphia. This could be attributed to the team configuration, as in Philadelphia, when Embiid was absent, Harden had Maxey to rely on for scoring and Harris also had more opportunities due to the absence of the "Emperor." Additionally, Philadelphia had a young defensive specialist like Melton, who was similar to a younger version of Beverley. The difference between Philadelphia and Brooklyn lies in their approach; Philadelphia didn't have grand ambitions and simply focused on building around Harden when Embiid was out. The Clippers, on the other hand, have a purer strategy, combining Leonard's playing style to revolve their tactics around Harden. This is because Leonard's style can fit into any team, making him akin to a cheat code that can be plugged into any system. As Harden mentioned in an interview, Leonard expressed anxiety about his return, fearing it might disrupt the Clippers' established chemistry. Harden reassured him, stating that his playing style naturally complements the current roster, likening it to upgrading Dunn to Leonard. Leonard was immediately pleased and no longer worried. Leonard's return doesn't significantly affect Harden individually; he remains the tactical core but may see a slight decrease in…

The Clippers' victory over the Warriors was witnessed by all, despite the Warriors' comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. The Clippers emerged victorious, securing their second consecutive win. With this win, the Clippers now have an 18-13 record, placing them fifth in the Western Conference. What noteworthy information has emerged following the Clippers' two consecutive victories? There is good news for Leonard, Harden has officially confirmed something, and Powell has made a request. This season's Clippers are undoubtedly one of the toughest teams in the West. They lack star players, with some having suffered injuries and missed numerous games, yet they continue to hold their ground. Winning 18 out of the first 31 games is quite impressive. It's worth considering that with Harden's strong ability to cover for his teammates and Tyronn Lue's skill in utilizing underutilized players, they have managed to establish themselves in the competitive Western Conference. As the Clippers celebrate their wins, fans eagerly await Leonard's return. What is the current situation with Leonard? There is good news: he is expected to return in next week's game. Tyronn Lue mentioned using Leonard's tactics in training to help him maintain his rhythm upon his return. However, it should be noted that Leonard will not be back for the next three games, as he will not travel with the team during the three-game road trip; his return will have to wait until the home game. Regarding Leonard's return, Harden has his own perspective. He confirmed that during the game, he discussed the matter with Leonard, who expressed his desire…

The ranking in the Western Conference is crucial for the Clippers, as it directly affects Leonard's return speed and whether they can reach the championship level in the playoffs. Leonard has confirmed his return on January 5th. Currently, the Clippers are ranked fifth in the West, slightly ahead of the Lakers and Nuggets. Despite the absence of their top star Leonard, the Clippers have managed to maintain a top-five record in the West, exceeding expectations. The leadership abilities of Harden and Powell have been quite impressive. With stats of 29+7 and 29+5, Harden has indeed delivered on his promise, giving you a real chance to make the All-Star team. Without Leonard this season, the Clippers' offense and defense have not yet reached their peak. Why have the Clippers been able to achieve a top-five record in the West? According to NBA experts from American media, one of the most important reasons is their collective effort and excellent defense. This season, the Clippers have a defensive efficiency of 108.2, ranking fifth in the league. With Leonard out, every player on the Clippers must give their all on both offense and defense, making the contributions of role players particularly important. Players like Zubac, Coffey, Little Derrick Jones, and Dunn have performed exceptionally well. Officially reported by an NBA journalist from American media, Clippers guard Norman Powell has averaged 28.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals over the last five games, with a shooting percentage of 52.8% and a three-point percentage of 48.5%. Powell has indeed put up sharp numbers and…

On December 28th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Clippers hosting the Warriors. With Curry absent, the Warriors struggled offensively, scoring only 62 points in three quarters and narrowing the gap in the final quarter but ultimately failing to hold on. In the end, the Warriors lost 92-102 to the Clippers, suffering their third consecutive defeat. In the first quarter, Zubac started with a two-handed dunk, Davis also scored under the basket, and then both teams were locked in a tug-of-war, with neither team's offensive state being particularly good. Wiggins hit a three-pointer, Dunn responded in kind. The two teams traded blows on the offensive end, with Zubac scoring inside, and the Clippers once led 17-12. However, Schroder hit a jumper, Moody countered with a dunk, and the Clippers' offense faltered, with Kuminga making two free throws to take the lead. Harden made his first basket with a put-back, and Pozhemska hit a three-pointer, giving the Warriors a 21-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Dunn broke through for a score, Kuminga dunked with both hands, Powell broke through repeatedly for points, and the Clippers regained the initiative by scoring continuously. Li Kai hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, Hield also made a three-pointer, Kofi responded, and the two teams were again locked in a tug-of-war. Just as the Clippers were about to pull away, Kuminga dunked to keep up, Pozhemska hit a three-pointer, and the Warriors took the lead again at 41-40. Harden hit a three-pointer in response, Kofi…

Refusal to Reverse! Clippers Five Tigers 88+30, Kuminga 34+10+5, New Record Born, Western Fifth Changed Hands On December 28, 2024, Beijing time, in the NBA regular season, the Clippers with a record of 17 wins and 13 losses faced off against the Warriors with a record of 15 wins and 14 losses at home. The Clippers were without Leonard, Mann, and Porter, starting with Harden, Dunn, Powell, Jones, and Zubac. The Warriors were missing Curry, Green, and Payton Jr., starting with Schroder, Hield, Wiggins, Li Kairui, and Davis. In the first quarter, Zubac dunked, Davis and Li Kairui responded, giving the Warriors a 4-2 lead. Dunn and Jones scored, followed by responses from Hield and Wiggins, putting the Warriors ahead 9-6. Dunn, Powell, and Zubac then went on a 9-0 run, allowing the Clippers to take a 6-point lead. Kuminga hit a three-pointer, Zubac made a layup, and the gap was 5 points. Schroder, Moody, and Kuminga helped the Warriors regain the lead by 1 point. Harden made a putback, and Pojeim hit a three-pointer, ending the first quarter with the Warriors leading 21-19. In the second quarter, Dunn made a layup, followed by Kuminga scoring 4 consecutive points, giving the Warriors a 4-point lead. Powell scored 6 straight points and Dunn made a layup, allowing the Clippers to retake the lead by 4 points. Li Kairui and Hield hit three-pointers, putting the Warriors back in the lead by 2 points. Coffey and Zubac helped the Clippers regain the lead by 3 points, with Davis closing the gap. Jones, Harden,…

In the fiercely competitive Western Conference, it is very difficult to compete. So when the new season just started and all fans heard that Leonard would be indefinitely sidelined, the Clippers were not favored. Many fans thought that the Clippers might find it difficult to make the playoffs. However, Harden has created a surprise for the fans, bringing them hope. After Leonard's injury, Harden took the lead by taking charge of both the offensive and organizational ends. Compared to last season, his average score this season has significantly increased, enhancing his offensive aggressiveness and playing the role of an absolute leader. Under his leadership, the Clippers' overall record has exceeded many fans' expectations. Currently, they are in seventh place in the West, but their win difference with the sixth and fifth places in the West is consistent, and they can rise to fifth at any time, which is a relatively safe range. The Clippers' outstanding performance this season does not solely credit Harden. Powell's role is no less important than Harden's. In fact, Powell has become the team's top scorer, surpassing Harden in average points and with better overall shooting efficiency. Powell has now scored 28+ points in four consecutive games. This season, he averages 24 points with a three-point shooting percentage as high as 47%, truly reaching the peak of his career. Many people think that Powell's peak came a bit too late, as he is already 31 years old. The team did not pay enough attention to his use or elevate his tactical status before. In fact, several…

The Clippers really unleashed their firepower in this game, staging an astonishing comeback on the Grizzlies' home court. You might wonder, how exciting was this game? The Clippers were originally seen as underdogs, missing Leonard, while the Grizzlies had Morant, Bane, and Jackson, who indeed had stronger paper strength. But basketball games aren't just about what's on paper, especially in such tense Western Conference ranking battles, which are never that simple. And the result? The Clippers pulled off a stunning comeback, and this victory directly reshaped the Western Conference landscape! The game was filled with tension from the start, with the Grizzlies showing strong momentum at home. Not long after the opening, Bane hit a three-pointer, setting the pace for the team. This shot initially seemed quite exciting, but the Clippers weren't intimidated. Powell quickly responded with a three-pointer of his own, with the score seesawing back and forth, neither side willing to give ground. Look at it, the scores fluctuated like a roller coaster, not giving the opponent any breathing room. Especially the Grizzlies' offense, with Morant scoring continuously, once leading 8-3, making the Clippers' fans' hearts sink. Fortunately, Harden and Dunn of the Clippers gradually warmed up, and the team began to narrow the gap, with the situation becoming increasingly tight. At the end of the first quarter, the Grizzlies still had a slight advantage, leading 30-28. By the second quarter, the Grizzlies suddenly stepped up their game, with Lavinia hitting a three-pointer, once widening the gap to 5 points. Well, the Grizzlies were scoring comfortably, while the…