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James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Intuit Dome on March 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - With the NBA postseason approaching, the Los Angeles Clippers are battling to secure the sixth seed to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
On Wednesday night, as Kawhi Leonard was sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back and Norman Powell out with an injury, 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden answered the call.
Harden scored 50 points and the Clippers beat the Detroit Pistons 123-115.
What we know:
Following Paul George’s departure and without a healthy Kawhi Leonard to start the season, several analysts had counted the Clippers out and had doubts they’d have a chance for postseason contention.
Before the 2025 All-Star break, the Clippers were arguably one of the biggest surprises this season, highlighted in part by a shiny new arena – the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
After making trades at the February deadline and since the All-Star break, the Clippers have struggled to find consistency.
On Tuesday night, they blew a 23-point lead and despite Ivica Zubac’s 35-point game, they lost to the Phoenix Suns 119-117.
The embarrassing loss seemingly fueled the fire for Harden, who scored 50 points in the Clippers’ win on Wednesday night against the Pistons, who are having a Cinderella story of their own.
This marks Harden’s first 50-point game with the Clippers and the fourth in his career. This is an addition to his three 40-point games this season.
Harden’s monumental night came with President Barack Obama in attendance.
Former President Barack Obama is presented a jersey during the game between the LA Clippers and the Detroit Pistons with LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer at Intuit Dome on March 05, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Harden, an LA native, was the 2017-18 NBA MVP.
What we don't know:
Every game counts and it’s unclear where the Clippers will stand going into the playoffs.
After holding onto sixth place in the West, the Clippers dropped to the ninth spot following the loss in Phoenix. As of Thursday, they are now in eighth place, which puts them in play-in territory.
What’s next
The Clippers have 20 games left in the season and will need to win most of them to avoid the play-in tournament by securing the sixth seed.
Their next two home games are against the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings followed by a four-game road trip in the South.
The Source: Information provided by the Los Angeles Clippers and ESPN.
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