James Harden reaches magnificent career milestone in Clippers big win over Denver

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INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 1: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 1, 2024 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The Los Angeles Clippers battled the Denver Nuggets in what was their first home game in nine days after returning from what was a roller coaster of an East Coast road trip.

The Clippers navigated through both smooth and rough waters, encompassing a blowout loss in Boston, dominant games over the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards, in addition to a heartbreaking loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue announced before the game Norman Powell would return to the lineup after he missed the previous six games with a hamstring injury. While Powell was back, the Clippers remained short-handed. Not only does Kawhi Leonard’s return date remain a mystery, but the Clippers were without Kevin Porter Jr., who has been pivotal in the team’s second unit.

Also returning was Denver’s Aaron Gordon.

The game also marked a homecoming game for Russell Westbrook.

"[He was] a huge part of what we did here the last couple of years," Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said before the game. "I always say two years ago, he really saved our season when [Paul George] went down. Russ stepped right in and really helped us get to the playoffs in that run against Phoenix. It's great to have him back in the building and great to have him back in LA."

Lue also acknowledged the team had a tough matchup ahead of them.

Very early in the game, it was apparent the two teams would be in a physicality battle and the Clippers ended the first quarter up 32-23.

In a surprising move, the Clippers coaching staff gave sophomore Jordan Miller an opportunity at the backup point guard position.

The two teams were tied at 59 at the half.

Also during the first half, James Harden made history and became just the second player in league history to record 3,000 three-pointers, joining Stephen Curry.

Not only did Harden reach a career milestone, he pulled off a phenomenal performance. Harden ended the game with 39 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds.

"[It's] another one of those accomplishments that you never take for granted," Harden said. "The amount of work that I’ve put in – countless days and nights where I put the work in – a lot of people don’t see it but the results happen, so I’m just thankful."

Miller had 8 points and 5 rebounds in 15 minutes. In the second half, Terance Mann shined in what was arguably his best game of the season, ending with 15 points, 3 rebounds and an assist in 25 minutes played.

Amir Coffey remains a solid role player for the Clippers. He did not return in the second half of the game after colliding with one of the Nuggets. However, Ty Lue confirmed he was OK after the game.

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Jokić did the heavy lifting for the Nuggets. Even with seven players ending in double figures, the Clippers ultimately took care of business and won their eighth consecutive game at home, beating Denver 126-122.

Next up, the Clippers take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

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