Harden’s Leadership Ignites Clippers in 121–117 OT Win Over Raptors

 

TORONTO — James Harden delivered a clutch performance to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 121–117 overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors Friday night at Scotiabank Arena. Harden finished with 31 points and 10 assists, guiding L.A. to its fifth consecutive win amidst a spirited comeback.

Clippers Rally From 14-Point Deficit

The Raptors jumped out to an early advantage and held a 109–101 lead with just under four minutes remaining in regulation. But Harden ignited a late surge, scoring the final eight points of the fourth quarter to tie the game and force overtime.

Los Angeles closed regulation on a 20–8 run, setting the stage for a dramatic extra period.

Balanced Scoring and Key Contributions

While Harden was the centerpiece of the comeback, the Clippers received valuable support across the roster:

• Jordan Miller scored 19 points, providing a strong scoring punch off the bench.

• Ivica Zubac anchored the paint with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

• Cam Christie added 16 points, and Kris Dunn chipped in 15 points to help sustain the scoring.

The win extended a remarkable stretch for the Clippers, who improved to 18–23 on the season and have won 12 of their last 14 games after a slow start.

Raptors’ Effort Falls Short

Toronto was led by Scottie Barnes, who scored 24 points in the losing effort, and Brandon Ingram, who added 19 points. Jamal Shead had 15 points and 13 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills.

Despite holding the lead late in regulation, the Raptors faltered down the stretch and were unable to contain L.A.’s decisive run.

Missing Pieces and What’s Next

The Clippers were without star forward Kawhi Leonard, who sat out with a sprained right ankle.

Los Angeles will look to keep its momentum rolling as it continues its road schedule, while Toronto aims to regroup and address late-game execution as it prepares for upcoming matchups in a crowded Eastern Conference.