James Harden delivered 31 points, including eight in overtime, and 10 assists to guide the Los Angeles Clippers to a 121‑117 overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Despite missing Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers erased a late deficit, tied the game with a clutch pass to Paul George, and sealed the win with decisive plays in the extra period.
Clippers’ Key Moments
Harden’s Overtime Heroics
Harden dominated the overtime period, scoring a crafty floater for a 119‑117 edge and then finding Norman Powell for a quick two‑point basket that pushed the lead to 121‑117. His eight overtime points and 10 assists marked a season‑high performance in a road game.
Bench Contributions
The Clippers’ depth proved crucial. Veteran forward Norman Powell added 12 points off the bench, while the supporting cast helped maintain momentum after the regulation deadlock.
Raptors’ Missed Opportunities
Toronto started strong, opening with a 30‑22 lead powered by Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. However, two late‑game turnovers allowed the Clippers to tie the contest. VanVleet finished with 24 points and six assists, but the Raptors could not convert crucial possessions in the final minute of regulation.
Impact on Playoff Race
The victory pushes the Clippers to a five‑game winning streak and positions them just a half‑game behind the seventh‑seeded Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference. For the Raptors, the loss drops them to 20‑22, keeping them out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture and highlighting ongoing challenges in closing tight games.
Future Outlook
Clippers
Los Angeles heads to Phoenix to face the Suns, a matchup that could solidify their playoff bid. Harden’s performance is expected to remain a focal point as the team integrates emerging talent such as rookie Amari Bailey.
Raptors
Toronto will host the Detroit Pistons, with coach Darko Rajaković likely adjusting rotations to give more minutes to promising guard Jalen Harris, who showed scoring flashes in Friday’s loss.
