By dealing for a former MVP in James Harden, the LA Clippers anticipated an upliftment as the best team in the NBA through his offensive heroics. Though he has aged from his days as a Houston Rocket, Harden can still dish out the flashiest of passes or step back and drain a four-point play.
Furthermore, Harden has done both and more for the Clippers this season. Next to star Norman Powell, the 2009 draftee has been the head of steam in coach Tyronn Lue’s game plan.
Lue counts on Harden nightly to scan opposing coverages and make the right play. As a result, the active rotation has produced solid numbers, even without franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard.
In 38 games this season, the ten-time all-star has averaged 21.4 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, with a team-high usage percentage of 30.2. Additionally, the Clippers are currently the fifth seed and 2.0 games behind the third.
However, Harden’s statistics are partially bumped due to his performances against sub-500 teams. This is a lingering issue for the Clippers, as they will need him to consistently outshine elite opponents.
LA Clippers star James Harden struggles when guarded by the NBA’s top contenders.
When playing against teams that allow a significant amount of points to guards, LA Clippers stud James Harden contributes to the trend and directs control. In fact, his best outing came in Washington, who pose the easiest matchup for opposing point guards.
Harden dropped 43 points and seven assists in 32 minutes for the Clippers, as they won 121-96 in the Capital One arena.
Six games later, the Clippers faced the Jazz, and Harden popped off for 41 points and six assists in 31 minutes. For reference, Utah is also among the teams that allow the most points to point guards.
Conversely, Harden’s worst stat lines have unironically come when the Clippers have faced other teams competing for a title.
In a 13-point loss to the Thunder on November 2nd, the three-time scoring champion posted 12 points, shooting 4-13 from the field and 2-9 from three.
On December 4th, Harden scored just five points on 1-10 shooting against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 28-point defeat.
Along with several other questionable showings from the ten-time all-star, it is clear Harden runs into hurdles when battling the league’s best defenses. The front office needs to inspect this as they seek to buy at the trade deadline.