Clippers beat Bucks behind Harden and Powell's 73 combined points

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - James Harden and Norman Powell have carried the Clipper offense all season, even without Kawhi Leonard. 

On Saturday night, Harden had 40 points and Powell had 33 points, propelling the Clippers to a huge win over the Bucks, 127-117. 

That Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo connection was working again, like it has all season, which gave the Clippers fits all game. 

Giannis had 36 points and 13 rebounds, and Lillard had a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. 

The Clippers had 4 players in double figures, but their defense was what won them the game. Multiple stops capped off by a Harden 3-pointer sealed a 14-0 run that gave the Clippers a double-digit lead midway through the 4th quarter. 

The Clippers were not the beneficiary of some calls, but ended up shooting an insane 28-28 from the free throw line. They got to the line frequently and made sure that they cashed in on those opportunities.

The Clippers even lost their challenge extremely early in the game, and managed to still power through and get to the line.

This team lost two games earlier in the week to the Bulls and Celtics, but finished the homestand 3-2 after a gauntlet of a schedule including two back-to-backs. 

With All-Star reserve voting still up for grabs, Powell and Harden have solidified themselves as excellent candidates to be voted in. 

If there was one takeaway that should be studied on film in the coming practice sessions, it would be the 23-8 points off turnovers that the Clippers had. 

Now, the team embarks on a road trip that begins in Phoenix against the Suns on Monday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.