Clippers Overcome 14-Point Deficit
The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 14-point deficit to secure a 112-102 victory against the Chicago Bulls at home, marking their fourth win in the last five games as they continue to chase the leaders in the Western Conference.
Harden’s Historic Triple-Double
James Harden contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists for the Clippers, marking his second triple-double of the season and his 76th career triple-double, placing him eighth on the all-time list. Additionally, Paul George led the team with 22 points, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks, while Kawhi Leonard added 19 points and 9 rebounds.
Clippers’ Recent Performance
After a rough patch where they lost five out of eight games around the All-Star break in February, the Clippers have now won four out of their last five games. They currently hold the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 2.5 games and the Denver Nuggets by 1.5 games.
DeRozan Shines for the Bulls
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 24 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds. Despite the efforts of DeRozan and Vucevic, the Bulls couldn’t extend their three-game winning streak and currently sit at the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference.
Clippers’ Second-Half Surge
The Bulls led for most of the first half and even enjoyed a 14-point lead early in the second half. However, a pivotal performance by Harden in the third quarter, followed by a strong start to the fourth quarter by Norman Powell and Bones Hyland, helped the Clippers stage a comeback and take a 9-point lead.
Closing the Game
Although the Bulls managed to cut the deficit to just 3 points with 6 minutes remaining, the Clippers pulled away again and secured the victory by a margin of 10 points.
Harden’s Remarkable Achievement
Harden’s triple-double was particularly notable as he achieved it without attempting any two-point shots, making him only the second player in history to accomplish this feat after Steve Blake in 2014.
Clippers’ Long-Standing Record
With this win, the Clippers ensured a winning percentage of at least .500 for the 13th consecutive season, maintaining the longest active streak in the NBA.
Overall, the Clippers’ comeback victory, fueled by Harden’s historic performance, underscores their resilience and determination as they aim for success in the Western Conference.(Jilikoa)
