James Harden reached the 25,000 career points milestone as he contributed 28 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard added 27 points and eight rebounds, guiding the Los Angeles Clippers to their sixth consecutive victory with a 121-113 triumph over the struggling Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.

Norman Powell delivered a pivotal performance, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to help secure the Clippers’ win. This victory marked their 11th in 14 games, and they maintained a perfect 5-0 record at home in December. Despite the absence of Paul George due to injury, the Clippers effectively fended off the Warriors’ late surge.

Klay Thompson, scoring a season-high 30 points with eight 3-pointers, showcased a standout performance for the Golden State Warriors. However, their road struggles continued as they went 0-3 on their recent trip, extending their overall losing streak to 12 losses in 16 games.

Stephen Curry, shooting 5-of-17 from the field, contributed 17 points for the Warriors, who are now facing another period without Draymond Green. Green is under indefinite suspension for an altercation with Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic.

Before the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed support for Green amidst his suspension. The four-time NBA champion has faced multiple suspensions in 2023 alone, prompting the team to offer unspecified assistance to address his recent behavioral issues.

In George’s first absence of the season due to a left hip injury, the Clippers adjusted their starting lineup. Despite these changes, they successfully navigated the challenge, with Tyronn Lue expressing confidence in George’s return.

Both teams altered their starting lineups due to key absences. The Warriors promoted Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to replace Green and Andrew Wiggins, while the Clippers adjusted to George’s absence with Amir Coffey in the starting lineup.

Thompson, despite a relatively quiet start to the season, demonstrated his prowess with a vintage performance in Southern California. However, the Warriors struggled in the fourth quarter, with Curry and Thompson combining for just one made shot in seven attempts.

Chris Paul, facing his former team, contributed 12 points for the Warriors, who continue to struggle on the road, losing seven consecutive away games. Harden’s milestone marked a highlight in the game, as he became the 24th player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 career points.

George’s injury marked a rare setback for the Clippers, who have largely enjoyed good health this season, a departure from their previous injury-plagued campaigns. Despite the absence of key players, the Clippers’ depth and performance have remained strong, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt to various challenges.