James Harden Leads Clippers to Overtime Victory Over Raptors as Cleveland Edges 76ers

In a thrilling NBA matchup, James Harden delivered a standout performance with 31 points, guiding the Los Angeles Clippers to a 121-117 overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Despite missing star Kawhi Leonard due to a sprained right ankle, the Clippers overcame an 11-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. Harden contributed 16 points in the final period and overtime, including key free throws that tied the game with 1:24 remaining in regulation.

The Clippers dominated the overtime session, with Harden sinking four free throws to open the frame and leading the team to score eight of their 12 points in the extra period. Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 24 points, one of seven Toronto players reaching double figures. The win marked the Clippers’ fifth consecutive victory, improving their record to 12 wins in 14 games and elevating them to 10th place in the Western Conference post-season race after a difficult start to the season.

Elsewhere, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a narrow 117-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Philadelphia’s home court. Evan Mobley sealed the game with a decisive dunk in the final 4.8 seconds. Despite holding a lead of up to 11 points late in the fourth quarter, the 76ers fell short, unable to fend off the Cavaliers’ comeback.

Jaylon Tyson, starting due to injuries to key players Darius Garland and Sam Merrill, led Cleveland with a career-high 39 points and assisted on Mobley’s game-winning dunk. Mobley added 15 points, while Donovan Mitchell contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists. The 76ers were led by Joel Embiid with 33 points and Tyrese Maxey with 22, though Maxey’s last-second half-court shot missed wide.

Additionally, the Brooklyn Nets overcame a 20-point lead loss in the fourth quarter to secure a 112-109 victory over the Chicago Bulls, snapping a five-game losing streak.