The LA Clippers hosted the Golden State Warriors at the Intuit Dome on a night that will go down in history as a special moment between two of the NBA’s greatest shooters. Before the opening tip-off, Stephen Curry and James Harden shared a memorable moment at the scorer’s table, celebrating their positions as the top two three-point shooters in NBA history. Harden had just passed Ray Allen on Sunday against the Utah Jazz to claim the second spot, while Curry has held the top position since December 2021.
The game unfolded as a strategic battle between two dominant teams in the Western Conference. The Clippers, playing without Kawhi Leonard, jumped to an early lead behind the dynamic duo of Harden and Norman Powell, who combined for an impressive 15 points in the first quarter. The home team maintained control, leading 27-22 after the opening frame.
Despite missing key players Kevon Looney (illness) and De’Anthony Melton (ACL), the Warriors stayed within striking distance. Draymond Green matched Curry’s first-half production of eight points, but the Clippers’ bench unit, led by Nic Batum’s nine points, helped extend the lead to 56-45 at halftime.
The third quarter saw a resurgence from the Warriors, particularly from their superstar guard. Curry, who started slowly with just three points in the first quarter, caught fire and added nine points in the third frame alone. His statistical line through three quarters told the story of his growing influence on the game:
- Points: 17
- Rebounds: 6
- Assists: 4
- Field Goals: 6-14
- Three-Pointers: 5-12
The Warriors’ defense also stepped up their game in the third quarter, limiting the Clippers to just 19 points. With support from Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield, Golden State managed to close the gap, trailing by only three points (75-72) heading into the final period.
The Clippers’ depth showed throughout the game, with significant contributions from their big men. Ivica Zubac dominated the glass with 10 rebounds while adding 6 points and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Harden showcased his playmaking abilities with 8 assists to go along with his 10 points through three quarters.
This game held special significance beyond the final score. Both Curry’s and Harden’s journeys to the top of the three-point list share remarkable similarities. Neither player averaged more than 20 points per game until their fourth NBA season, yet they’ve since transformed into offensive juggernauts who have revolutionized basketball’s long-range game.
Harden entered the night just 25 three-pointers shy of reaching the 3,000 mark, a milestone that would add another chapter to his remarkable career. The former MVP appears poised to reach this achievement before the year’s end, barring any setbacks.
What makes this matchup particularly compelling is the evolution of both players’ relationships. Despite years of intense rivalry, especially during Harden’s tenure with the Houston Rockets, both superstars showed mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s accomplishments before the game.
As the NBA continues to evolve into a more perimeter-oriented game, nights like these remind us of the special talent we’re witnessing. Curry and Harden’s presence at the top of the three-point list isn’t just about numbers—it’s a testament to their role in revolutionizing modern basketball. The game demonstrated why these two future Hall of Famers remain among the most captivating players to watch in the NBA, even as they enter the later stages of their storied careers.