With six seconds left in the fourth quarter, the score tied 100-100. James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers hit a step-back three-pointer off an assist from Kawhi Leonard. Moments later, the referee’s whistle blew. The Houston Rockets’ Jayson Tate was fouled, but the ball left Harden’s hand and curved into the rim. It was a three-pointer to break the tie. The bonus free throw was a bonus. It was a four-point play.
The Clippers had snapped a six-game losing streak.
On Dec. 18, the Clippers beat the Rockets 106-100 in Houston behind Harden’s game-winner.
It was the Clippers’ first win since Harden joined the team.
Harden scored 24 points on the night, making 8 of 11 free throws. He also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out seven assists. He’s slowly finding his groove.
Paul George added 23 points, and Leonard exploded for 26 points, including three 3-pointers, to help the team win.
The Clippers improved to 4-7 on the season, while the Rockets fell to 6-4.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue made the unusual decision to remove Russell Westbrook from the starting lineup for the game.
The move to relegate him to the bench worked for now. Westbrook played 17 minutes and scored eight points.
Westbrook used to play with Harden on the Oklahoma City (OKC) Thunder. Back then, Westbrook was the starter and Harden was the sixth man.
Now, the roles are reversed. Harden is the starter and Westbrook has been relegated to the bench.
Meanwhile, the Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 107-95 behind a 35-point performance from LeBron James, who drained five 3-pointers. 캡틴토토 주소