Harden’s 40-Point and a Defensive Masterclass: Clippers Outshine Giannis and Lillard

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Felicia Enriquez, aka Mynt J, is the host of the podcast BlackLove and Basketball – Compton Edition. She is a Clippers fan, an NBA credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. In this article she breaks down how the Clippers outshine Giannis and Dame in a game that included a defensive masterclass by the Clippers!

The Big Bad Bucks Came to Blow the House Down—but the Clippers Built This One with Bricks-This Wall is Built Different

The Milwaukee Bucks, one of the NBA’s most celebrated teams, rolled into Inglewood with every intention of flexing their muscle at the Intuit Dome. Like the Big Bad Wolf in the classic “Three Little Pigs” tale, they came huffing and puffing, ready to blow the Clippers’ house down. But the Clippers, long underestimated and dismissed, proved that this house isn’t made of straw or sticks—it’s built with bricks, teamwork, and a whole lot of heart.

The result? A 127-117 Clippers victory that sent a resounding message to the league.

Big Bad Bucks Meet the Brick Wall

From the start, Milwaukee carried themselves like a team expecting to dominate. After all, they had Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian ‘Dime’ Lillard and a reputation for being one of the league’s most formidable forces. The Clippers, on the other hand, have been tagged as “boring” despite wins against championship teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, Warriors and almost the Celtics.

Yet, it was the Clippers who controlled the narrative. James Harden dropped a sensational 40 points, proving to be the ultimate facilitator and scorer. Harden, who has seamlessly integrated himself into the Clippers’ system, played like he had something to prove—not to his critics but to his teammates.

Kawhi Leonard continued his steady climb back to full form, managing his minutes while still being a game-changing presence. His confidence was evident after the game: “I feel good now. Once more games get under my belt, you’ll see my minutes rise. As long as I’m feeling well, we’ll keep building.”

And build, they did.

Clippers Outshine Giannis: A Defensive Masterclass

The Bucks may have thought they could bully their way through, but the Clippers’ defense had other ideas. Even with Giannis (26 points) and Lopez towering over the court, Milwaukee managed just five offensive rebounds the entire game. Derrick Jones Jr., Kevin Porter Jr, and Amir Coffey anchored a defensive unit that turned turnover into opportunities.

Giannis admitted their struggles postgame: “It wasn’t as good. Simple. Guys were able to get to their spots, get to their floaters, get all the way to the paint. Dance, dance, dance with the ball, get open threes, create for teammates. We just have to do better next time.”

It’s not just about individual effort for the Clippers—it’s about collective trust. James Harden summed it up: “We trust each other. It’s not just me and Norman [Powell]; it’s the whole team. That’s why we’re successful.”

The Left-Handed Factor

There’s a fascinating quirk about this Clippers squad: their abundance of left-handed players. James Harden, Norman Powell, and Kevin Porter Jr. (Scoot) lead a group that stands out in a league where only about 10-12% of players are lefties. Derrick Jones Jr, Amir Coffey and Jordan Miller are also lefties.

Being left-handed is more than just a novelty; it creates real matchup problems. Defenders aren’t accustomed to the angles, movements, and tendencies of left-handed players. The Clippers have tapped into this subtle advantage to confuse even elite defenses like Milwaukee’s.

The Game’s Turning Point

Despite the Bucks reaching 100 points first—a point often seen as the game’s decisive moment under Lawler’s Law—the Clippers weren’t fazed. They owed the third quarter, denying Milwaukee second-chance points and locking down the paint.

Late in the game, the Bucks’ frustrations boiled over. Giannis and Lopez, the “two giants,” looked helpless at times, unsure of how to handle Norman Powell, who played far bigger than his size.

It was this hustle and heart that defined the Clippers’ win. “The Bucks thought they could come into our house and blow it down,” a fan said. “But Steve Ballmer built this one with bricks, and we ain’t going anywhere.”

Wins Over Egos

This Clippers team is special not because of star power but because of their unity. Unlike some teams that crumble under the weight of egos, the Clippers have cultivated trust, accountability, and a shared purpose. Harden’s leadership exemplifies this, as he constantly seeks to elevate those around him.

 I believe when no one takes the credit or needs the credit, the result wins over egos

Up Next: A Bright Test in Phoenix

The Clippers will take their momentum to Phoenix, where they’ll face Kevin Durant and the Suns. This away game presents another tough matchup, but the Clippers aren’t strangers to top-tier competition.

If there’s one lesson to take from their victory over Milwaukee, it’s this: underestimate the Clippers at your own risk. They’ve taken down giants, outlasting champions, and sent the Big Bad Bucks packing.

Next time someone tries to blow their house down, they’ll face the same result: a wall of bricks, built to last.

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