INGLEWOOD —
Four games are a small sample size to judge how any player will finish the season. But it’s difficult not to imagine the heights James Harden will reach this season.
Harden’s Production
Already, the three-time scoring champion, without the restraints of two other stars, is producing numbers far above what he achieved last season.
"It’s a different team, different circumstances," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. "Last year coming in – having PG (Paul George) and Kawhi (Leonard) – not wanting to step on any one’s toes coming to another player’s team – he was just trying to fit in."
A Poor Shooting Performance
But then there also will be lowlights, such as Harden’s poor shooting performance in a 106-105 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome. It was the fourth time in as many games for the Clippers that the outcome was decided in the final minute.
Harden missed 12 of 18 shots, but he still managed five 3-pointers for 19 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in the first game of their second back-to-back set this season. The Clippers (2-2) host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
"I think they were just trying to wear him down," Lue said. "They were throwing different bodies at him, pressuring him full-court, in the half-court leaning on him, just trying to wear him down.
"They have great defenders and so they could throw multiple bodies at him and that’s what they did tonight."
A Team Effort
While he wasn’t his team’s leading scorer – a distinction that belonged to Norman Powell (30 points) – Harden seemed to have his hands in all areas. The 35-year-old point guard found teammates for baskets, scored 3-pointers, dove for loose balls, rebounded others, and forced turnovers in his 32 minutes.
Powell said the team, which lost to the Blazers for the first time since 2021, needs to stay together down the stretch to avoid close games.
"Really, really locking in on what we need to do offensively and defensively, being tied in, getting guys out of their comfort zone defensively and gang rebound, finishing possessions," Powell said. "I think they got a lot of extra possessions that kept them in the game and gave them some feel-good looks after playing some really good defense for 24 seconds.
So, learning how to execute and close games on the defensive end and then offensively just continue to execute and continue to take our time, not letting teams push us or getting sped up late games."
Post-Game Reaction
Anfernee Simons scored 25 points, and Deandre Ayton had 15 points and 12 rebounds to pace Portland. Deni Avdija added 13 points and 10 rebounds and made a game-saving block when he stuffed Powell on a fast-break with 29 seconds remaining to preserve a one-point lead.
Scoot Henderson added 14 points, and Toumani Camara had 12 points for Portland, which trailed the entire fourth quarter until Simons made a go-ahead layup with 2:44 remaining.
The Clippers made only one field goal and scored just three points in the final 3:30. After taking a 102-99 lead on a 3-pointer by Harden with 3:35 remaining, they turned the ball over twice, had a pair of shots blocked, and went 1 for 4 at the free-throw line to let the game slip away.
"Ivica Zubac stepped to the line with the Clippers down 106-105 and 1:20 left, but he missed both free throws. The Clippers never got another shot up.
"We got to find a way to win. Obviously, we want to blow teams out, but if that’s not the case, then we find ways to win," Harden said. "Every scenario has been different. Tonight, we just didn’t capitalize, and we didn’t close. Me missing free throws can’t happen."
Conclusion
The Clippers are relying more and more on Harden this season, and he has taken on the challenge. With Leonard continuing to sit out due to inflammation in his right knee, the Clippers are looking to Harden to lead the way.
As Lue said, "This year has been totally different. We need him to do a lot more scoring, we need his passing ability and making the plays. So, I think he feels good, and we have to see how it goes for the rest of the season."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does James Harden compare to his performance last season?
A: Harden is producing numbers far above what he achieved last season.
Q: Why is Harden’s performance this season different?
A: Harden is playing without the restraints of two other stars, allowing him to be more dominant on the court.
Q: How is the rest of the Clippers team performing?
A: Norman Powell is averaging 24.7 points in four games, and the team is looking to stay together down the stretch to avoid close games.
Q: What is the outlook for the rest of the season?
A: The Clippers will need to rely on Harden and other players to perform well in order to succeed.
