LA Clippers superstar and former MVP James Harden has found happiness in pulling off miracles and invalidating public opinion. He has done this before in his career, but this season, given expert predictions on the Clippers, holds sincere importance.
The Clippers were supposed to finish as a losing team in the Western Conference, as Kawhi Leonard was injured, Paul George had departed, and no real star was added in the summer.
After six shaky games to begin the season, Harden locked in and elevated his team to a higher standard.
Moreover, Harden's regular season presentation is arguably one of the greatest statures ever. He is elite in all facets and has grown in nothing but winning situations from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers.
On the contrary, Harden's playoff hurdles have created narratives about whether or not he can gleam for four consecutive series.
Harden's play style is built through high-volume shooting, otherworldly playmaking, and his genius techniques for getting to the charity strike. Given that he has never missed the playoffs and has achieved a ridiculous amount of accomplishments, this skill set has functioned in the regular season.
Conversely, postseason basketball is substantially different from the first 82 games, as significant adjustments in speed and pace surface. This is why numerous players struggle to elevate themselves.
Harden has been in the mix of guys to underperform, and if he does not dismiss the narrative this time around, the Clippers will receive their vacation tickets early.
The LA Clippers will inevitably succeed if James Harden helps the Clippers make a run
Although James Harden is well over a decade into his professional career, he is having a wondrous season for the LA Clippers. He currently averages 22.5 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, all while leading LA to a 40-31 record in the Western Conference.
However, he is shooting 39.6% from the floor, which will bring the Clippers down in the playoffs under head coach Tyronn Lue's game plan.
Furthermore, Harden has not shot efficiently in previous postseason runs, which is the reason his most extensive narrative has arisen. In fact, in nine out of his 15 playoff appearances, he has shot under 42% from the field.
The Clippers' chances of making it to rounds two and three and, hopefully, the NBA Finals depend on Harden and whether he can reverse how he is portrayed. If he shuts down the norm, LA is second to no one in the Western Conference.