LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Harden spent the season developing a pick-and-roll chemistry with big man Ivica Zubac. The future Hall of Famer in his first season in…
James Harden spent the season developing a pick-and-roll chemistry with big man Ivica Zubac. The future Hall of Famer in his first season in Los Angeles is schooling the longest-tenured Clipper.
It paid off in their playoff series opener.
Harden scored 28 points in his playoff debut for the Clippers, Zubac had a playoff-career high 20 points to go with 15 rebounds, and Los Angeles defeated Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks 109-97 Sunday.
“Just a perfect game for a big,” said Harden, who, like Paul George, is seeking his first NBA championship.
Game 2 is Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
“We are going against some Hall of Famers,” Dallas’ Kyrie Irving said. “I don’t even know if we even are favorites in this series and so we just have to pay attention to what we can control.”
Coach Tyronn Lue called the game’s first play for Zubac, and the Clippers were off to a dominating start.
“When I’m out there, I’m going to try to punish them in the post,” said Zubac, in his sixth season with the team. “I want to be the best version I can be for this team.”
Harden hit 6 of 11 3-pointers and had eight assists. George finished with 22 points after the Mavs slowed him in the first half. The Clippers outdid the Mavs at their own 3-point game, making 18 of 36 from long range to 10 of 33 for Dallas.
“We’re going to be very good any time Zu is playing at that level,” George said.
The Clippers had five players in double figures without Kawhi Leonard.
