In a thrilling night of NBA action, the Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to five games with a hard-fought overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors. The win was spearheaded by a vintage performance from guard James Harden, who took over the game when it mattered most.
Harden's Heroics Force Overtime in Toronto
The Clippers found themselves in trouble late in regulation on Friday, January 16, 2026 (Saturday, January 17, Philippine time). The Toronto Raptors had built a commanding eight-point lead and seemed poised to secure the win on their home court. However, James Harden had other plans.
The veteran guard single-handedly erased the deficit, going on a personal 8-0 run to tie the game and force an extra period. Harden finished the contest with 31 points and 10 assists, showcasing the playmaking and scoring that made him an MVP. His efforts were crucial, especially with star forward Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to a sprained right ankle.
The Clippers received significant contributions from center Ivica Zubac, who returned to action with a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Miller also added 19 points off the bench. For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes led the way with 24 points, while Brandon Ingram contributed 19. The loss was a rare collapse for Toronto, marking only the second time in 21 games this season they lost after leading at the end of the third quarter.
Durant Bounces Back, Rockets Edge Timberwolves
In another marquee matchup, Kevin Durant rediscovered his shooting touch in a major way. After a poor performance the previous night where he failed to make a three-pointer, Durant exploded for 39 points, including a season-high six shots from beyond the arc. His scoring outburst was the key to the Houston Rockets' 110-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Durant's veteran poise was on full display in the final minute. After Alperen Sengun fouled out following a massive 25-point, 14-rebound double-double, the Timberwolves mounted a comeback. Jaden McDaniels brought Minnesota within two points, but Durant calmly sank four consecutive free throws to seal the win for Houston.
The Timberwolves, playing without the injured Anthony Edwards, were led by Julius Randle's season-high 39 points. Naz Reid added 25 points as the team scored at least 100 points for a historic 100th consecutive game. However, their efforts were undone by poor free-throw shooting, most notably from Rudy Gobert, who went a dismal 2-for-10 from the line.
Other NBA Results from Friday Night
The night featured several other closely contested games across the league. The Indiana Pacers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 127-119, while the Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Philadelphia 76ers 117-115. In other action, the Brooklyn Nets slipped past the Chicago Bulls 112-109, and the Sacramento Kings beat the Washington Wizards 126-115.
The Clippers' victory continues a remarkable turnaround for the team. After a dismal 6-21 start to the season, they have now won 12 of their last 14 games, firmly re-establishing themselves as a force in the Western Conference.
