Harden’s Third-Quarter Surge Propels Clippers Past Heat 109-98

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — James Harden scored 13 of his 26 points in a dominant third quarter, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 109-98 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night. The win snapped a two-game skid for the Clippers, who were playing their first game in five days after their Saturday matchup was postponed due to deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

Norman Powell led the Clippers with 29 points, while Ivica Zubac delivered a standout performance with 21 points and a season-high 20 rebounds, marking his 25th double-double of the season. Harden also contributed 11 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability alongside his scoring.

Tyler Herro led the Heat with 32 points and 11 rebounds, but Miami’s three-game winning streak came to an end. Kel'el Ware added 19 points and a career-best 13 rebounds off the bench. The Heat were without center Bam Adebayo, who sat out due to lower back pain sustained in a fall during their previous game in Portland.

The Clippers outscored the Heat 36-20 in the third quarter, fueled by six 3-pointers — three each from Harden and Powell. Harden scored eight consecutive points to tie the game before the Clippers took the lead for good. “We came out with energy in the third quarter and executed our game plan,” Harden said after the game.

Kawhi Leonard, playing in his third game of the season, finished with six points on 3-of-9 shooting and five rebounds in 21 minutes. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue indicated that Leonard’s minutes will remain restricted as he continues to regain his rhythm after returning from injury. Leonard did not play in the fourth quarter.

The Clippers (21-17) shot 55.5% from the field in the third quarter while holding the Heat to 38.1% shooting. Miami (20-18) struggled to find its footing after the break, falling to 3-2 on its six-game Western Conference road trip.

The Heat will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, while the Clippers host the Brooklyn Nets the same night.