On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 127-117 thanks to 40 points from James Harden and victories against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
The Clippers ended the Bucks’ five-game winning streak with the help of 33 points from Norman Powell and 18 points from Kawhi Leonard in three quarters.
Antetokounmpo finished with 13 rebounds, 12 of 15 free throws, and 36 points. For his second triple-double in two days, Lillard added 29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 16 of 17 shots from the foul line.
In the first half, when the Clippers were behind by 11, Harden scored 12 points. With 17 points, he took over in the third quarter and finished with 15 consecutive points to put Los Angeles ahead 94-93.
After taking an early three-point lead, the Bucks spent the most of the fourth in catch-up mode.
Harden finished with a 3-pointer to give the team a 112-100 lead after Powell’s slam started a 14-0 run.
Takeaways
Bucks: They were held below their 126-point average and dropped to 8-11 away from home. Against Miami on Thursday, Lillard recorded his first triple-double with the Bucks. His most recent was his fifth career.
Clippers: The Bucks halted their four-game losing streak.
Key moment
The Bucks were outscored 15-9 at the end of the third by Harden alone.
Key stat
In a game that was deadlocked 17 times, the Clippers made all 28 of their free throws.
Up next
On Monday night, the Bucks go to Utah. The Clippers begin a four-game journey on Monday night in Phoenix.