CONFIDENCE OVERLOAD
Harden, Nets smother Clippers
We are a very confident team that continues to grow
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — James Harden finished with 37 points and 11 rebounds as the Brooklyn Nets improved to 7-0 against Pacific Division teams this season with a 112-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
The Nets went a perfect 5-0 in their western swing road trip and extended their winning streak to season-high six games.
Harden recorded the 77th career double-double and added seven assists at Staples Center arena in southern California.
“We just kept our composure,” Harden said. “Down the stretch, we wanted to get a good shot every single time and we came out with the win.”
“We are a very confident team that continues to grow.”
Kyrie Irving scored 28 points with eight assists while Joe Harris, DeAndre Jordan and Bruce Brown scored 13 each for the Nets.
Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant missed his fourth straight game with an injured hamstring.
The Nets also lost forward Jeff Green with an apparent shoulder injury after a collision with Clippers guard Patrick Beverley with just less than three minutes left.
Kawhi Leonard tallied 29 points and 13 rebounds while Ivica Zubac finished with 13 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
Paul George had 34 points and seven rebounds but sat out the game’s crucial moments down the stretch because Los Angeles wanted to limit his minutes in the game.
“We had to bring him back to get the game close,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “The biggest thing is that he is healthy.” Brandon Ingram scored 33 points as the New Orleans Pelicans engineered their largest comeback in team history Sunday by overcoming a 24-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics, 120-115 in overtime.
Ingram hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 34 seconds remaining in the overtime.
Zion Williamson had 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Hart had 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Jayson Tatum scored 32, Jaylen Brown had 25, and Tristan Thompson and Kemba Walker added 14 each to lead the Celtics.
After an exchange of baskets to start the overtime scoring, Williamson made one of two
free throws.