The Clippers knew their top-notch protection can be stretched by a Milwaukee Bucks crew led by NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. They knew their stellar protection can be examined by the most effective taking pictures groups within the NBA, a squad driving a five-game profitable streak.
The Clippers had been resolute within the face of these challenges, pulling out a powerful 127-117 win over Milwaukee on Saturday on the Intuit Dome.
James Harden scored 17 of his game-high 40 factors within the third quarter, his scorching taking pictures serving to the Clippers open a one-point lead heading to the fourth. Harden is certainly one of six gamers within the NBA to have not less than three 40-point video games this season.
Norman Powell was on the assault all sport, scoring 33 factors. It was his eighth 30-plus level sport this season, a profession greatest. Kawhi Leonard continued to play restricted minutes in his return from a knee damage, scoring 18 factors in 24 minutes.
Antetokounmpo lived as much as the billing of being one of many league’s greatest gamers, a participant who entered the sport second in scoring (31.3 factors per sport) and fifth in rebounding (12.0). He had 36 factors and 13 rebounds in opposition to the Clippers.
The Clippers (26-19) are ranked third within the NBA in protection, holding groups to 106.6 factors per sport, second in defensive ranking at 107.1 and fifth-best in field-goal proportion at 45%.
They put that up in opposition to the Bucks crew that was sixth in taking pictures from the sphere (48.3%) and second in three-point taking pictures (39%).
The Bucks (25-18) have one of many league’s greatest three-point shooters in Damian Lillard, who had a triple-double with 29 factors, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.
