Nets end West road trip with win over Clippers

FILE – Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden finished with 37 points and 11 rebounds as the Brooklyn Nets improved to 7-0 against Pacific Division teams this season with a 112-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

The Nets went a perfect 5-0 on their western swing road trip and extended their win streak to a season-high six games.

Nets World goes West.

📼 Highlights from tonight's victory over the Clips 📼 pic.twitter.com/kM8lHo8c2w

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 22, 2021

Harden recorded the 77th career double-double and added seven assists at Staples Center arena in southern California.

“We just kept our composure,” he said. “Down the stretch we wanted to get a good shot every single time and we came out with the win.

“We are a very confident team that continues to grow.”

Kyrie Irving scored 28 points with eight assists while Joe Harris, DeAndre Jordan and Bruce Brown scored 13 each for the Nets.

Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant missed his fourth straight game with an injured hamstring.

The Nets also lost forward Jeff Green with an apparent shoulder injury after a collision with Clippers guard Patrick Beverley with just under three minutes left.

Kawhi Leonard tallied 29 points and 13 rebounds, while Ivica Zubac finished with 13 points and eight rebounds in the loss.

Paul George had 34 points and seven rebounds but sat out the game’s crucial moments down the stretch because Los Angeles wanted to limit his minutes in the game.

“We had to bring him back to get the game close,” said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “The biggest thing is he is healthy.”