James Harden scored 36 points and survived a tense finish at the free-throw line as the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Washington Wizards 110-106 on Monday night for their sixth straight win.
Harden made two free throws with 36.9 seconds remaining to give the Clippers a 108-106 edge. After both teams came up empty on the next possessions, Washington’s Kyshawn George missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer. Harden was fouled with 5.9 seconds left and, after going a perfect 16-for-16 at the line, unexpectedly missed both attempts.
The Wizards couldn’t secure the rebound, however, and the ball bounced back to Harden. Fouled again, he calmly sank both free throws this time to seal the victory.
Washington has now dropped seven consecutive games.
Despite the teams trending in opposite directions recently, the game stayed tight throughout. Harden’s driving layup put Los Angeles up three late, but Khris Middleton was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 57.6 seconds left and converted all three free throws to tie the game at 106.
The Clippers played without Kawhi Leonard for a second straight game due to injury. Trae Young, dealing with knee and quad issues, has yet to make his debut for Washington since being acquired from Atlanta.
Rookie Alex Sarr led the Wizards with 28 points. George added 18 points, six assists and six rebounds, though he missed several critical shots in the closing minutes.
Los Angeles won despite a rough shooting night from long range, going just 5 of 28 from beyond the arc. The Clippers compensated by dominating the paint 60-38 and knocking down 33 of 38 free throws.
Up next:
The Clippers travel to Chicago on Tuesday night, while the Wizards return home to host Denver on Thursday.
