WASHINGTON (AP) — James Harden scored a game-high 43 factors in 32 minutes to assist the Los Angeles Clippers earn a 121-96 victory over Washington on Wednesday evening, handing the struggling Wizards their thirteenth straight loss.
Harden made seven 3-pointers, had 23 factors within the first quarter and eclipsed his earlier season excessive of 29 by halftime. The ten-time All-Star posted his highest level whole since scoring 44 in Detroit on March 26, 2021, regardless of exiting the sport late within the third.
Ivica Zubac added 18 factors and 16 rebounds for the Clippers, who received six of seven.
It is Los Angeles’ second-largest margin of victory this season, having opened a four-game street journey with a 26-point win at Philadelphia two video games in the past.
Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas every scored 17 factors for Washington, which misplaced main scorer Kyle Kuzma to a left rib harm after enjoying simply eight minutes.
Takeaways
Clippers: Regardless of a protracted harm listing that features six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard (knee) all season, Los Angeles reaches the 20-game mark with a 12-8 file.
Wizards: Washington is three losses after matching final season’s longest dropping streak of 16 video games, en path to a franchise-worst file 15-67.
Key second
The Clippers remained in management all through, however erased any doubt in regards to the end result when Harden made a 3 on consecutive possessions to increase the result in 81-59 with 3:47 left within the third.
Key statistic
Harden’s 23-point first quarter marked the ninth time he scored not less than 23 factors in a interval, in line with StatMuse, and his first since July 31, 2020.
To be continued
The Clippers go to Minnesota on Friday, whereas the Wizards play Saturday in Milwaukee.
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