Jokic triple-double not enough for Nuggets as Harden nets 39

James Harden delivered a standout performance, scoring 39 points — including a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line — to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. Despite Nikola Jokic recording his eighth triple-double of the season with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, the Nuggets fell short in a tightly contested game.

THE BEARD WAS STIRRING THE POT AND DROPPED 39 PTS TO LEAD THE CLIPPERS TO THE WIN OVER THE NUGGETS 🧑‍🍳

Jokic drops another triple-double in the loss. pic.twitter.com/bZl9jQu8Je

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 2, 2024

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Harden came close to a triple-double himself, adding nine rebounds and 11 assists. He also reached a significant milestone, making his 3,000th career three-pointer during the first half. Norman Powell made a strong return after a six-game absence, contributing 28 points, including crucial three-pointers late in the game.

The Clippers used a barrage of threes in the third quarter to erase a 10-point deficit, with Harden and Powell each hitting three from beyond the arc, giving Los Angeles a 92-90 lead entering the final period.

Denver fought back, with Jokic’s three-pointer and an assist to Aaron Gordon narrowing the gap late in the fourth. However, the Clippers held their ground. Despite a late turnover by Harden under pressure, the Nuggets missed key opportunities, including an offensive rebound conversion by Christian Braun that left them trailing by two with 19 seconds remaining.

The Clippers sealed the game from the free-throw line, holding on to secure the hard-fought win.