Introduction to the Clippers’ Situation
The Clippers are facing a critical moment in their playoff series against the Nuggets, trailing 3-2 and on the brink of elimination. A key factor in their struggle is the disappearance of James Harden in Game 5, where he failed to deliver against Denver’s defense.
The Disappearance of James Harden
He was there in the first 34 games, keeping his team afloat while his fellow superstar recovered from lingering knee issues. He was there in the final stretch of the season, leading the Clippers to an 18-3 record and a No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. But when the Clippers needed him in Game 5, James Harden all but disappeared, leaving the Clippers one loss away from elimination after losing 131-115 in Denver.
Performance in Game 5
Although the Clippers showed life at various points in Tuesday’s game, Harden failed to come through, showing a lack of energy against Denver’s defense. The 16-year veteran of 128 career playoff games finished with 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting, five assists and eight rebounds, the fifth time this series that his field-goal attempts have decreased every game. In addition to a team-high four turnovers, Harden scored just two points in the fourth quarter as the Clippers made a push, cutting the lead to single digits, which prompted loud negative chants about the 2018 MVP from the Ball Arena crowd, who sensed something was off with the nine-time All-Star.
Statistical Analysis
The Clippers averaged just 0.72 points per play on the 35 plays Harden was involved in Tuesday, according to ESPN. Both are his lowest marks of the series. Harden, a 36.3% career 3-point shooter, also missed both of his 3-point attempts in Game 5, the first time he failed to connect on a long-range shot since Feb. 4.
Coach’s Perspective
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters in Denver that the Nuggets blitzed Harden, who, at 35 years old, can still deliver a scoring punch in crunch time. “I think Denver made up their mind up that they’re going to try to take him out of the series after the first two or three games,” Lue said. “They’re doing a good job, but I just have to do a better job of finding ways to get him open, to get him space. Probably more isos because they’re blitzing him so much to try to get him to his spots.”
Teammate’s View
Kawhi Leonard, who had 20 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists in Game 5, averted answering questions about Harden, suggesting that offense wasn’t the Clippers’ problem; it was their defense. “We got to play the game. My teammates knocked down shots tonight, we just weren’t able to defend,” Leonard said. “You have to keep playing the same way. If we want to keep going, everyone has to contribute, which they are doing. Yeah, just keep playing the same game.”
Other Concerns
Harden isn’t the Clippers’ only concern heading into the elimination game. While the league’s third-rated defense stopped three-time MVP Nikola Jokic from easily getting to the rim, the Clippers couldn’t stop Jamaal Murry, who exploded for 43 points on 8-of-14 3-pointers, Aaron Gordon, who added 23 points, or Russell Westbrook, who scored 21 points off the bench. “He made a lot of tough shots, but he can do that. He made a lot of tough shots, we could have done a better job,” Clippers center Ivica Zubac said of Murray. “But at the end of the day it’s a make-or-miss league. He made a lot of shots. It’s hard to win against anyone when you have a player shooting like that.”
Upcoming Game
Lue said the Clippers need to make changes if they want to extend the series to a deciding seventh game but declined to give any hints. “We gotta respond. We blew them out in Game 3. They came back and responded in Game 4. We gotta do the same thing,” Lue said. I don’t know what changes you could make. They made shots … coming back home, Intuit will be rocking. We’ll be fine.”
Game 6: Denver at Clippers
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Intuit Dome
TV/radio: FDSNSC, TNT, truTV, MAX; AM 570
Conclusion
The Clippers’ fate hangs in the balance, and their ability to advance in the playoffs largely depends on James Harden’s performance in Game 6. With the Nuggets leading the series 3-2, the Clippers must find a way to overcome their defensive struggles and get Harden involved in the game. If they can manage to do so, they might just force a deciding Game 7.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current state of the series between the Clippers and the Nuggets?
A: The Nuggets lead the series 3-2. - Q: What was James Harden’s performance like in Game 5?
A: Harden had 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting, five assists, and eight rebounds, with a notable lack of energy against Denver’s defense. - Q: What adjustments does Coach Tyronn Lue plan to make for Game 6?
A: Lue plans to find ways to get Harden open and create space, possibly through more isolation plays, as the Nuggets have been blitzing Harden. - Q: What time is Game 6 scheduled for?
A: Game 6 is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday at Intuit Dome.
