Harden steps up late as LA Clippers edge Raptors in OT

James Harden scored 31 points and came up big in overtime to help the Los Angeles Clippers erase a double-digit deficit on the way to a 121-117 NBA victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

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BEARD OF COURAGE: Clippers guard James Harden controls the ball as Raptors guard Alijah Martin tries to defend during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena.

Harden scored 16 points in the fourth quarter and overtime as the Clippers pushed their winning steak to five games despite the absence of star Kawhi Leonard with a sprained right ankle.

The Clippers trailed by 11 entering the fourth quarter, but Harden drilled a pair of free-throws with 1:24 left in regulation to tie it and after misses from both teams they went to the extra session.

Harden made four free-throws to open overtime as the Clippers pulled away, scoring eight of their 12 points in the decisive extra frame.

Scottie Barnes scored 24 points to lead seven Raptors players to score in double figures.

With their 12th victory in 14 games the Clippers have climbed into 10th place in the Western Conference, thrusting themselves into the postseason picture after a disastrous start to the season.