The Denver Nuggets recently played against the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA away from home at the Inuit Dome. Notably, the Clippers were without their main star, Kawhi Leonard as he is out injured. Despite that, the Clippers came out victorious against the Nuggets and their star Nikola Jokic. It was all thanks to James Harden‘s heroics during the game.
Jokic dropped yet another triple-double on the Clippers, but it wasn’t enough. Despite Jokic’s triple-double, the Clippers defeated the Nuggets 126-122 on Sunday night thanks to 39 points from James Harden. The former MVP also made all 13 of his free throws. However, it was a particular play in the 4th quarter that caught everyone’s attention.
During a particular play in the 4th quarter, Harden went all ‘vintage’ on the Nuggets defender. He dribbled towards him and then took a step-back. Soon, it sent the defender on ‘skates,’ with Harden converting his jumper. This sent the NBA fans wild as they witnessed ‘Vintage Harden’ at the Intuit Dome against the Nuggets.
VINTAGE JAMES HARDEN.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 2, 2024
Harden finished with nine rebounds and eleven assists, just missing his triple-double. After missing six games due to an injury, his colleague Norman Powell returned to the court and scored 28 points for the Clippers. In the first half, Harden made three 3-pointers, bringing his career total to over 3,000. It remains to be seen how Harden will perform once Leonard is back alongside him.
James Harden’s heroics did not contain Nikola Jokic from making NBA history against Clippers
Nikola Jokic does not seem to have a bad performance for his side lately. Despite his side, the Denver Nuggets losing against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Serbian added another triple-double to his name. However, this one proved to be important and ‘historic’ for the Serbian superstar. The Nuggets star seems to be breaking records and setting new ones.
Despite James Harden starring, Jokic made history against the Clippers. With his 138th triple-double, which is third-most in NBA history, Nikola Jokic has equaled Magic Johnson as per UnderDog NBA. Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (181) will be the next man Jokic passes on the all-time triple-doubles list after Johnson. Russell Westbrook, Jokic’s teammate, is the only player that is ahead of Robertson (200).
Nikola Jokic just recorded the 138th triple-double of his career, which ties him with Magic Johnson for the 3rd most in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/GgH7DaUmEt
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) December 2, 2024
In addition, this was Jokic’s 8th triple-double this season. In 14 games, Jokic shot 56.8% from the field and 53.4% from three-point range, averaging 29.7 points, 13.1 rebounds, 10.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game going into play. This showcases his incredible consistency he displays for his side. All eyes will be on Jokic’s next matchup against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup.
