Intuit Dome debut proved James Harden is returning to MVP form

A new era of LA Clippers basketball has now officially begun. With the conclusion of Wednesday night's 116-113 loss in overtime to the Phoenix Suns, the Clippers' first ever game at Intuit Dome is now in the books. And although the night ended in a loss, fans in attendance could not have asked for much more than what they got.

Yes, it was a game they probably should have won, as Ty Lue said in his postgame press conference. But after Clipper nation got a chance to see their new team for the first time in the regular season, much of the doom and gloom that had been present among the fanbase has been replaced with cautious optimism.

Much of those positive vibes come from James Harden and his performance. Leading up to the season, there were plenty of signs that number one was trending in the right direction, and was going to be in a solid position to produce at a high level while leading this team in a way that produced winning basketball.

Harden talked a big game about being in his best physical shape in years and being ready to carry the team in Kawhi Leonard's absence, but many fans felt they would have to believe it to see it. In all honestly, understandably so. But James' debut against the Suns on Wednesday was even more proof he was not bluffing, and that he is potentially in the process of returning to borderline-MVP level form.

James Harden led all players in scoring on Wednesday

All Harden did in 40 minutes of playing time against Phoenix was lead all scorers in the game with 29 points, grab 12 rebounds and dish out eight assists, all while getting himself to the line with nine free throw attempts as well. In a time of desperation where the Clippers needed a consistent offensive producer, Harden stepped up in a big way.

Perhaps the thing that should raise the eyebrows of Clippers fans about this performance more than anything is how he spoke about it in postgame, saying that he needs to take better shots and play with better pace. If Harden believes he is only scratching the surface of what he can be doing for this team, then it is not unreasonable at all to say he could be playing at an MVP candidate level this season.

This outcome was always going to be the goal from the moment it was announced Kawhi would miss the start of the season. Harden, being the most experienced and accomplished member of the squad outside of Leonard, knew his usage rate would be higher with his superstar teammate sidelined, and he planned to be a different level of aggressive from day one.

What we are seeing is the team's vision come to life. As long as number two remains on the bench, this kind of effort from Harden is what will keep the Clippers afloat, and it nearly helped them take down a dark horse Western Conference contender in game one of the season. Harden's play is a clear indicator that LA is going to be more than fine this season, even without Kawhi Leonard.