Key Takeaways:
- James Harden tallied 27 points and nine assists as the Clippers halted a five-game losing streak with a 115-92 victory in Atlanta
- The Clippers played their first match after sending 12-time All-Star Chris Paul home earlier in the day
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 21 points, while Atlanta struggled with key absences due to injury and illness
Clippers End Skid in First Match Without Paul
The Los Angeles Clippers secured only their sixth win of the season by delivering a dominant 115-92 result against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. This marked their first appearance since the decision earlier in the day to part ways with Chris Paul, the 12-time All-Star guard and franchise icon.
James Harden spearheaded the Clippers attack, notching 27 points and nine assists. Kawhi Leonard added 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double, registering 14 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 4, 2025
Paul’s Departure Signals New Chapter
Earlier on Wednesday, the Clippers announced they had sent Paul home. He had appeared in 16 out of 21 games this season, averaging 2.3 points in what many expect to be his final NBA campaign, concluding a 21-year career. The move closed a storied chapter for Paul, who previously delivered some of his best performances during his tenure in Los Angeles.
Hawks Hampered by Absences and Disjointed Start
The Hawks struggled offensively in the absence of several key players. Jalen Johnson, who leads Atlanta with averages of 23.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, was a late withdrawal due to right calf tightness. Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined by illness, and Trae Young remains out for several weeks with a knee injury.
Given these absences, the Hawks produced a lacklustre first half, shooting just 38% from the floor while committing 11 turnovers and recording only eight assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker paced Atlanta with 21 points and Dyson Daniels contributed 15 points alongside two steals.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Notable Absences | Rebounds Leader | Assists Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | James Harden | 27 | Chris Paul (sent home) | Ivica Zubac (17) | James Harden (9) |
| Hawks | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | 21 | Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis, Trae Young | Onyeka Okongwu (9) | Onyeka Okongwu (5) |
Match Analysis and Statistical Highlights
The Clippers established an early advantage, entering half-time up 55-41. They extended their lead to 19 points by registering the first five points of the second half and maintained control, never allowing Atlanta to close within 13 points for the remainder of the contest.
Harden set the tone from the opening tip with 12 shots in the first quarter, finishing with an 11-of-24 shooting performance. Notably, he attempted no free throws – a rarity, marking only the second time in two years that he has failed to reach the line, despite averaging 8.0 free throw attempts per outing this season, which ranks third in the league.
Looking Ahead
The Clippers’ road trip continues on Friday as they travel to Memphis for the third fixture in a five-game stretch away from home. Meanwhile, the Hawks will look to regroup before hosting the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
