NBA Honors Steph Curry and James Harden After Historic Warriors-Clippers Showdown
In a thrilling conclusion to the NBA regular season, the Los Angeles Clippers edged out the Golden State Warriors 124-119 in overtime, securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. James Harden led the Clippers with a standout performance, scoring 39 points and adding 10 assists. Kawhi Leonard contributed 33 points, while Ivica Zubac recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds. This victory relegated the Warriors to the play-in tournament, where they will face the Memphis Grizzlies for a chance to advance in the postseason.
Beyond the game’s immediate implications, the matchup was marked by a significant milestone in NBA history. James Harden surpassed Ray Allen to become second on the all-time list for three-pointers made, trailing only Stephen Curry. Prior to the game, Curry and Harden shared a heartfelt embrace, acknowledging their shared journey from the 2009 draft class to becoming two of the league’s most prolific shooters. Curry remarked on the achievement, stating, “It’s special for sure… He’s had an unbelievable run. We’ve had a lot of battles. The fact that he’s now second on the list in front of two greats we both respect, it’s pretty special.
Harden echoed this sentiment, reflecting on their careers and the inevitability of time. “Me and Steph were just talking about that after the game as well. We love to hoop. Father time is undefeated,” Harden said. “It’s a real thing, especially for some of us, somebody like us, and LeBron probably feels the same way. Like we love playing basketball, and that’s all we’ve done our entire lives. And we’re very good at it.
The game also highlighted the enduring rivalry and mutual respect between the two stars. Harden succinctly praised Curry, stating, “He changed the game,” acknowledging Curry’s transformative impact on basketball.
As the playoffs approach, the Clippers are set to face the Denver Nuggets in the first round, while the Warriors must navigate the play-in tournament to keep their championship hopes alive. Regardless of the outcomes, the legacies of Curry and Harden continue to shape the NBA’s narrative, inspiring fans and players alike.
