In an NBA regular season game, the Los Angeles Clippers challenged the Atlanta Hawks away from home. Despite being 11 points behind at one point, the Clippers managed to turn the game around with a superb 35-8 third quarter and eventually won 121-98, completing a season sweep of the Hawks while also securing their second consecutive win. The Hawks, on the other hand, unfortunately ended their previous four-game winning streak.
Match highlights and statistics
Clippers performance
- James Harden: 25 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 1 block (4-for-4 from 3-point range)
- Kawhi Leonard: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals
- Ivica Zubac: 18 points, 6 rebounds
- Nicolas Batum: 11 points, 7 rebounds
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: 12 points
The Clippers had seven double-figure scorers, demonstrating strong teamwork.
Eagles performance
- Trey Young: 17 points, 7 assists, 7 turnovers (poor shooting, 3/13)
- Okungu: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Rizache: 15 points, 7 rebounds
- Cameron Levere: 12 points
Despite the efforts of the core players, the overall performance of the Hawks was poor, and they were unable to withstand the strong comeback of the Clippers.
Game review
First quarter: The Hawks strike first
The game started off with a close battle between the teams. After the Clippers briefly took the lead, the Hawks responded with a 6-0 mini-run to take the lead back. The Clippers quickly tied the game, but the Hawks once again came back strong and ended the first quarter with a 2-point lead, 26-24.
Second quarter: The Hawks extend their lead
In the second quarter, the Hawks continued to lead and at one point widened the gap to 11 points. The Clippers tried to fight back but failed to effectively narrow the gap. At the end of the half, the Clippers trailed the Hawks by 8 points, 53-61.
Third quarter: Clippers turn the tables
At the start of the second half, the Clippers showed great resilience and took the lead with an 11-0 offensive wave to regain the lead. Then, Harden and Leonard teamed up to activate the team’s offense, and the Clippers scored a super offensive wave of 19-0, which instantly widened the gap to 86-67. Throughout the third quarter, the Clippers scored a whopping 35 points in a single quarter, while the Hawks only scored 8 points, completely reversing the situation. After three quarters, the Clippers led 88-69.
Fourth quarter: Clippers play steadily
In the final quarter, the Clippers maintained a consistent 20-point lead. Despite the Eagles’ attempts to catch up, the Clippers always controlled the pace of the game and never gave their opponents any chance to turn it around. In the end, the Clippers won easily, 121-98, completing their season sweep of the Eagles.
Star of the game: Harden’s milestone night
In this game, James Harden not only contributed a comprehensive stat line of 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, but also reached an important milestone in his career. His total regular season points surpassed Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, rising to 12th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Currently, among active players, Harden’s total points are second only to LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Key factors analysis
Clippers’ teamwork
The biggest highlight of the Clippers’ game was their teamwork, especially their impressive third quarter surge. The offensive and defensive performances of Harden and Leonard were the key to the team’s comeback, and the bench players also provided important support.
The Eagles’ poor performance
The Eagles were in poor form in this game, especially their core player, Trae Young, who was cold from the field, making only 3 of 13 shots and committing 7 turnovers. In addition, the team lost the initiative in the game due to a collapse in the third quarter.
Starting lineups of both teams
Clippers starters
- Kawhi Leonard
- Nicolas Batum
- Ivica Zubac
- Ryan Dunne
- James Harden
Eagles starters
- Trey Young
- Risahe
- Okungu
- Gaye
- Daniels
Summary: The Clippers bounced back strongly, while the Hawks still need to make adjustments
This victory was very important for the Clippers, not only did they continue their winning streak, but they also showed their resilience and teamwork in adversity. Next, they need to continue this form and try to occupy a more favorable position in the playoff race.
For the Hawks, this loss exposed the team’s shortcomings in critical moments. They need to adjust their state as soon as possible, especially in terms of defense and the performance of their core players, otherwise they may fall further behind.
