Apr 15, 2025 | Los Angeles, Sports, Valleys

Clippers and Harden Finish the Season Strong

The LA Clippers wrapped up the season on a hot streak by defeating the G State Warriors 124-119 in OT. James Harden had 12 of his 29 points in OT to lead LA to a regular-season sweep of the Warriors, capped a season-best eight-game winning streak, and gave them back-to-back 50-win seasons and the fifth seed in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

“We got down 12, I just told the guys (to) stay the course,” Lue said postgame. “Being down 12 is not a lot for us if we can just do what we’re supposed to do, do what we’re capable of doing. Our guys did that for the rest of the game. I think we came in, had the lead at halftime by one, and then it was just kind of a back-and-forth game.”

They will be entering the playoffs as the fifth-seed, going up against a Denver Nuggets team that’s looking to salvage its season after shaking up the team with the firings of Michael Malone and Calvin Booth.

The Clippers enter the postseason having won 18 of their last 21 games. They’re the hottest team in basketball, with the NBA’s best offense and defense since March 6. But they were wary of what they would have faced had they not run through the tape Sunday.

Kris Dunn continued his solid defense a former lottery pick who had to find his way back into the NBA after injuries slowed his progression. Dunn, drafted fifth by the Timberwolves in 2016, has only played 33 minutes during the playoffs. He was able to stay poised defensively on a day Curry had eight turnovers.

Now, Dunn gets to contribute to a playoff team.

“These players are too great in this league, Steph and others,” Dunn said after compiling three steals in 35-plus minutes at Golden State. “You just got to keep a fighting mentality. Keep trying to make it tough on them and, you know, make some big plays.”

While Dunn will miss out on a chance at an All-Defensive team selection because of league rules (Dunn played in 74 games, but reached 20 minutes in only 53 of them, nine short of being eligible), Ivica Zubac went up against Defensive Player of the Year candidate Draymond Green and put his final stamp on a banner year. LA’s center had 22 points on 11 of 16 field goals and recorded his 29th 20-point game of the season. Zubac had only 16 20-point games in his first eight NBA seasons combined.

Additionally, for the 10th time this season, Zubac finished a game with zero personal fouls. He also outrebounded the entire Golden State starting lineup, 17-14.

Harden’s effort helped him earn Western Conference Player of Week for games played from Monday, April 7, through Sunday, April 13. This is Harden’s 27th Player of the Week Award.

The seven-time all-NBA player led the Clippers to a perfect 4-0 record, behind averages of 29.5 points, 10.5 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals, while shooting 53.4% (39-73) from the field, 48.4% (15-31) from three-point range and 86.2% (25-29) from the free-throw line. Harden ranked first in the NBA last week in total assists (42) and second in total points (118). The 6-foot-5 guard was the only player in the NBA last week to average at least 29 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.

The 11-time All-Star recorded four games last week with at least 20 points and 10 assists and has tallied 10 assists in six of his last seven games. On April 11 against Sacramento, Harden posted his 80th career triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. On April 13 at Golden State, Harden clinched his 16th-straight postseason berth, tallying 39 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots.

In his 16th NBA season, the seven-time All-NBA player has appeared in 79 games for the Clippers, averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. The Clippers have won 18 of their last 21 games and are the fifth seed in the Western Conference.