If Harden can sustain his success, it could give the Clippers a more formidable attack when Leonard returns.
Kawhi Leonard was out but the Clippers are used to playing without their star.
James Harden reverted to his scoring days, netting 20 of his 28 points in the opening two quarters to help the Clippers build a 29-point lead en route to a 109-97 win over the Mavericks in Game 1. "Still can score with the best of 'em," he said.
Vintage James Harden and a stifling Clippers defense helped lead Los Angeles to a dominant win as Leonard watched from the sideline with a lingering knee injury.
Doncic and the Mavericks face Harden and the Clippers in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs