Wed Dec 04 05:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Clippers Edge Nuggets in High-Scoring Affair, Harden Reaches 3,000 Career Threes
**INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP)** — James Harden poured in 39 points, hitting all 13 of his free throws, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. Despite a triple-double performance from Nikola Jokic (28 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists), the Clippers held on for the win.
Harden narrowly missed his own triple-double, adding nine rebounds and 11 assists to his impressive scoring tally. The game also marked a significant milestone for Harden, as his three first-half three-pointers pushed his career total past 3,000. Norman Powell’s return from injury contributed significantly, with the guard adding 28 points to the Clippers’ offensive arsenal.
The game saw several momentum swings. The Nuggets mounted a 21-11 run early in the third quarter, but the Clippers responded with a barrage of three-pointers from Harden and Powell to regain the lead. A late-game push by the Nuggets, fueled by Jokic and Aaron Gordon, brought them within one point in the final seconds, but crucial free throws by the Clippers sealed the win. Jokic’s missed free throw with nine seconds remaining proved costly for Denver.
The Clippers’ superior three-point shooting (17 made compared to Denver’s 21 attempts) ultimately proved decisive. Both teams now look ahead to their next games: Denver hosts Golden State, and Los Angeles faces Portland, both in NBA Cup matchups on Tuesday night.
First Piper 