Clippers Overcome Bucks in Thrilling Fourth Quarter Surge, Win 127-117
The LA Clippers held strong in a high-intensity battle, surging past the Milwaukee Bucks with a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to secure a 127-117 victory. Milwaukee entered the final period with a slim 59-58 lead, but was unable to withstand the Clippers’ explosive stretch, despite strong performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
James Harden led the charge for LA, finishing with 40 points on 12-for-24 shooting, including 4-for-10 from beyond the arc. Harden also contributed nine assists and five rebounds. Norman Powell was also pivotal, contributing 33 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in the win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 36 points and 13 rebounds, while Lillard posted a near triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, the Bucks couldn’t capitalize on their strong start, as the Clippers tightened up defensively and knocked down key shots in the closing minutes.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with the first quarter ending in a 28-28 tie. The second quarter saw Milwaukee edge ahead, leading 59-58 at halftime. The Bucks were led by Antetokounmpo’s 15-point third quarter, while Lillard added five points and four assists. The Clippers kept pace with a red-hot Harden, who scored 17 points in the third period to keep LA in front.
In the fourth, the Clippers turned up the heat. Starting with a 12-0 run early in the quarter, the defense of LA and timely shooting from Harden and Powell proved too much for the Bucks to overcome. Despite a late push from Milwaukee, including a buzzer-beating 28-footer from Gary Trent Jr. to close the third quarter, the Clippers held firm to claim the 127-117 victory.
The Clippers will look to build on this win as they continue their push in the Western Conference standings, while the Bucks will aim to regroup as they continue their road trip.
