James Harden gives up ‘tough’ duel after double overtime victory over Mavericks

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star James Harden made franchise history with his 41-point triple-double in a win against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Harden became the first Clipper to record a 40+ point triple-double after posting 41 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in a 133-127 win. He was efficient, connecting on 13 of 25 attempts, including 6 of 12 from deep.

After the win, Harden was asked what led to a dominant performance during his on-court interview, according to Clippers’ X, formerly of Twitter.

“I don’t know,” Harden said. “I just kept fighting, man. It didn’t go well for us, but we’re still going to be resilient. We’re still going to fight. And tonight was one of those cases.”

For Harden, the double-overtime victory is a testament to how the Clippers must continue to fight through adversity, much like their slow start amid a 4-8 record through 12 games.

“We have the ability as long as we fight,” Harden added. “It’s not always going to be pretty, but tonight was a good start for us. First game of a long road. So take it one game at a time.”

“We’re still going to be resilient. We’re still going to fight. And tonight was one of those cases.” – James Harden in a 2OT win pic.twitter.com/FEfna7Hn57

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 15, 2025

Ivica Zubac finished with 27 points on 11 of 15 attempts and 11 rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the second unit with 21 points, including five 3-pointers, and Derrick Jones Jr. added 15 points and three steals. Friday’s win was the Clippers’ first in seven tries, snapping a six-game losing streak.

James Harden is just trying to ‘win’ in the midst of a Clippers loss

Maybe The Clippers preserve James Harden’s historic night can flip the switch for a 4-8 team. Harden undoubtedly led the charge. However, the victory against the Mavericks was a byproduct of the collective effort of the starters and the effective shooting of Bogdan Bogdanovic.

For Harden, the individual accolades are a testament to his effort to snap the Clippers’ six-game skid, which he did, in hopes that it’s just the beginning of his team’s turnaround.

“I just play to try to win,” Harden said. “You put in the work, that’s how things happen. So, all the glory to God. Keep it up. Keep chipping away.”

Friday’s win was the first of a seven-game hitting streak, which continues against the Celtics in Sunday’s matinee.