James Harden, LA Clippers Getting Hot as Playoffs Near
The Clippers have been on a roll recently, winning the last five of six games, including going 3-1 at home in the Intuit Dome.
Since starting the season 0-4 at home, the Clippers have gone 25-7.
The LA Clippers have also begun to play well together lately, which is important because the Clippers are trying to avoid falling into the play-in position and climb back into the top-6 seed in the Western Conference.
One of the main reasons the Clippers have been hot lately is James Harden, who will be a factor for the team as they try to get to the playoffs.
PHOTO: Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images
Before the season started, many predicted the Clippers would be below .500, especially since the team lost Paul George during free agency and Kawhi was injured for most of the season. Though James Harden was not in the best shape early in the season, Harden picked it up as the regular season went on, and everyone, including the Clippers fans, saw the old version of Harden and why he’s still an elite player.
James Harden has also brought the mentality of being the leader and veteran to the team besides Kawhi, from scoring 50 points in a game to passing Moses Malone on 11th as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history last week. Though Harden has an average season for the Clippers, he’s currently averaging 22.5 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds.
It’s all part of why the Clippers are 40-31.
Though Harden is shooting 39.6% from the floor, which might bring the Clippers down in the playoffs, Ty Lue has a game plan that will work for him and the rest of the team. Harden is currently the lone active player in the NBA with a long consecutive streak of making the playoffs, which is at 15 for him.
James Harden must step up for the Clippers to advance far in the playoffs.
PHOTO: Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images
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