Clippers coach Ty Lue has praised James Harden’s unselfish play, attributing the team’s impressive turnaround to the veteran point guard’s contributions.
Following a challenging 3-7 start, the Clippers have won 26 of their last 33 games, currently securing the 3rd position in the Western Conference.
Lue highlighted Harden’s impact after a convincing 127-107 victory against the Toronto Raptors, where Harden achieved a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists – his 75th career triple-double.
Lue emphasized that having James Harden on the team significantly eases the game for the star duo, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who are experiencing their most efficient scoring seasons as Clippers. Both players are averaging slightly over 23 points per game with impressive shooting percentages and lower usage rates than in previous seasons.
Despite Harden’s individual scoring being at his lowest since his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, currently averaging 17.4 points per game, his efficiency and playmaking skills have been crucial. With shooting splits of 46/42/88 and an average of 8.6 assists per game, Harden has contributed to the team’s success during the Kawhi/PG era.
However, a lingering question remains about how long James Harden will remain content with the Clippers. The answer to this question could significantly impact the team’s playoff performance.
While the team is currently in good spirits, history has shown that Harden’s mood can change rapidly, as seen in his time with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. The key to the Clippers’ success lies in keeping everyone, especially Harden, happy, healthy, and invested in their pursuit of an NBA title through June.
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