James Harden’s Stellar Performance Leads Clippers Past Hornets
The anticipation for Saturday’s clash between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers was palpable. The Hornets welcomed the return of Brandon Miller, who had been sidelined for 13 games due to a left shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the Clippers faced the challenge of competing without their star, Kawhi Leonard, placing their hopes on James Harden’s resurgence to snatch a second victory in November.
Harden’s Explosive Start
From the opening tip, James Harden made his presence felt. The former NBA MVP exploded for 27 points in the first quarter, matching his career-high and propelling the Clippers to a 38-30 advantage by the end of the period. His offensive prowess set the tone for the game, as he wove through defenders and showcased his scoring ability.
On the other side, Miller wasted no time making an impact. In the Hornets’ very first offensive possession, he electrified the crowd with a fast-break dunk courtesy of LaMelo Ball. This moment seemed to signal a competitive game ahead, but the Clippers were quick to assert their dominance.
Hornets Make a Brief Stand
Despite the early onslaught, the Hornets rallied with determination. A spirited 16-5 run at the tail end of the second quarter and into the third brought the Clippers’ lead down to just two points, igniting hope among the Charlotte faithful. However, the Clippers swiftly quelled that momentum, responding with a commanding 22-6 run of their own. As the game progressed, Los Angeles stretched their lead to a staggering 22 points, effectively putting the contest out of reach.
A Record-Setting Night for Harden
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Hornets struggled to mount any significant challenge against the Clippers’ relentless offense. Harden, in a remarkable display, nearly outscored the entire Hornets roster from beyond the arc. His final tally of 55 points marked the eighth-highest single-game performance against the Hornets in franchise history, further solidifying his status as a dominant force in the league.
Miller’s Return and Future Prospects
Brandon Miller’s return to the court was a welcome sight for the Hornets, even if his shooting performance was not stellar. The former second overall pick contributed 21 points, along with one rebound and three assists, in 26 minutes of play. Head Coach Charles Lee had indicated prior to the game that Miller would be on a minutes restriction similar to that of LaMelo Ball, and it was evident as he navigated the game cautiously.
With this loss, the Hornets fell to 4-12 on the season, facing a challenging matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on the horizon. As they regroup, the team will look to build on Miller’s return and harness the lessons learned from a tough defeat against the Clippers.
