Another busy day around the Association with six games on schedule. Here are the daily notables:
James Harden Explodes as Clippers Rout Jazz
A blazing start from James Harden helped the Los Angeles Clippers (15-12) to a dominant first quarter en route to a 144-107 triumph over the Utah Jazz (5-20) at Intuit Dome.
Harden poured in 24 of his season-high 41 points in the first quarter alone to lead the Clippers to a 44-20 lead after one. Norman Powell added 29 points for the Clippers, who cruised the rest of the way.
Jordan Clarkson scored 20 points for the Jazz off the bench, while Lauri Markannen added 17.
(Up next: Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks, Jazz vs. Detroit Pistons on December 20)
Paul George Enters Top 10 in Treys Made as Sixers Beat Hornets
Paul George and Tyrese Maxey combined for 73 big points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers (8-16) past the Charlotte Hornets (7-19) at Spectrum Center.
Maxey finished with 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 dimes, while George had 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. He also passed Jason Terry for 10th all-time in three-pointers made after going 6-for-9 from downtown to finish at 2,285—three clear of Terry’s 2,282.
Miles Bridges had 24 points and 5 rebounds for the Hornets, who fielded a complete lineup for the first time this season before losing Brandon Miller to an ankle injury. He finished with 12.
(Up next: Sixers vs. Hornets on December 21, Hornets vs. Washington Wizards on December 20)
Nuggets Fend Off Kings in Thrilling Finish
The Denver Nuggets (14-10) and Sacramento Kings (13-14) went toe-to-toe in the last 85 seconds. But it was Denver that made the last of seven consecutive baskets—four from the Nuggets, three from the Kings—to edge out Sacramento, 130-129, at Golden 1 Center.
Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists and also made two of the Nuggets’ last four shots (a jump hook in the lane and a triple). Jamal Murray added 28 markers, including the game-winner from the top of the key. Russell Westbrook chipped in 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists.
De’Aaron Fox finished with 29 points and 7 assists and had two of Sacramento’s last three field goals. Domantas Sabonis filled the stat sheet for the Kings with 28 points, 14 boards, and 6 dimes. He also found DeMar DeRozan cutting along the baseline for the possible game-winning dunk, but the veteran fumbled and had to settle for an off-balanced turnaround jumper.
(Up next: Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers, Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers on December 20)
