Clippers use Harden's 21-point quarter in win over Wizards but lose Westbrook to broken hand - The San Diego Union-Tribune

LOS ANGELES — James Harden scored 21 of his 28 points in the second quarter and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Washington Wizards 140-115 on Friday night.

“James, he plays the game the right way,” Clippers coach Ty Lue said. “Takes what the defense gives him, and that’s what great players do. A slow start doesn’t deter them from being aggressive and doing what they do.”

Kawhi Leonard added 27 points and Paul George scored 22 in his return after missing two games because of a knee injury. The Clippers lost guard Russell Westbrook in the first half after he fractured his left hand.

Westbrook, who had six points and one assist in 10 minutes off the bench, appeared to sustain the injury trying to poke the ball away from Jordan Poole with 10:01 left in the second. Westbrook left with 8:10 remaining in the second quarter and did not return.

“I just feel bad for Russ right now,” Lue said. “You never want to see a player get hurt. … I don’t know if he needs surgery or anything yet, but he’s out right now, so just trying to figure it out.”

Kyle Kuzma had 32 points, but the Wizards lost their 14th straight game. Poole had 16 and Deni Avdija chipped in with 14 on the second night of a back-to-back after falling to the Lakers in overtime on Thursday.