Harden scores 43 as the Clippers beat the Wizards 121-96

WASHINGTON — James Harden scored a season-high 43 points in 32 minutes to help the Los Angeles Clippers roll to a 121-96 victory over Washington on Wednesday night, handing the struggling Wizards their 13th straight loss.

Harden hit seven 3-pointers, had 23 points in the first quarter and eclipsed his previous season high of 29 at halftime. The 10-time All-Star had his most points since scoring 44 in Detroit on March 26, 2021, despite leaving the game in the bottom of the third.

Ivica Zubac added 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Clippers, who have won six of seven.

It was Los Angeles’ second-largest margin of victory this season, after opening a four-game road trip with a 26-point victory at Philadelphia two games ago.

Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas each scored 17 points for Washington, which lost its leading scorer Kyle Kuzma to a left rib injury after playing just eight minutes.

Takeaways

Clippers: Despite a long injury list that has included the six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard (knee) full season hits Los Angeles 20 games with a 12-8 record.

Wizards: Washington is three losses from matching last season’s longest skid of 16 straight losses en route to a franchise-worst 15-67 record.

Key moment

The Clippers were in control throughout, but erased any doubt about the outcome when Harden hit 3s on consecutive possessions to stretch the lead to 81-59 with 3:47 left in the third.

Key state

Harden’s 23-point first quarter marked the ninth time he scored at least 23 in one period, according to StatMuse, and his first since July 31, 2020.

Next

The Clippers visit Minnesota on Friday, while the Wizards play Saturday in Milwaukee.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbabr/)