When speaking about the ultimate playoff risers in basketball history, LA Clippers' superstar Kawhi Leonard is at the top of the conversation. He has shown through countless series in his career why he is elite in the postseason against any matchup. Leonard, when healthy, is a certified winner in any environment.
However, Leonard has hit some speed bumps this season on both sides of the ball. His defense is unsteady, and his offensive dominance has not reached its ceiling. This means the Clippers will need their 11-time all-star, James Harden, to clutch up like he has.
Furthermore, head coach Tyronn Lue assigned Harden the simplest yet most formidable task before the season opener: defy the odds and lead the Clippers to the NBA Finals.
Though the Clippers have not grazed their most difficult games, which they are soon to encounter, Harden has his city in a great spot. They are the sixth seed, with the potential to jump higher if their improved roster stands up to the hype.
Conversely, history objects to Harden's postseason prowess. He is and has been, a phenomenal scorer and passer in the regular season, but under high pressure, the former MVP has struggled to shine.
History backs up why the Clippers will drown with James Harden leading the team.
In 51 games, James Harden destroyed opponents as an offensive juggernaut for the LA Clippers. Harden has done it all at the cup, in the mid-range, beyond the arc, or at the strike. He is still one of the purest scorers in the NBA.
He is averaging 21.5 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, with a 29.5 usage percentage, the highest since his last full season with the Houston Rockets. This is remarkable, considering he is 35 and in the 16th year of his career.
In contrast, Harden did not post impressive playoff numbers last season against the Mavericks. He scored 21.2 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 40.3 minutes. This will not cut it if the Clippers want to win the NBA Finals.
The narrative worsened in the years prior, as Harden was not good for the Philadelphia 76ers. He shot poorly from the field, turned the ball over frequently, and was ineffective on defense.
That said, Harden will need to be great in the postseason. Turnovers are costly, and each shot attempt has a huge impact. If he is not efficient, LA may not survive round one.