Despite a questionable defensive tale as a Houston Rocket, LA Clippers superstar James Harden is better on the ball than most people think. He is not at the top of the league, but Harden is six-foot-five with an extremely strong upper and lower body. This size and framework make it a challenge for most guards to get a clean look, especially on a drive.
Furthermore, Harden has also mastered the principle of swiping down when the offensive ball handler least expects it. It is no wonder that the former MVP averaged 1.5 steals this season for the Clippers in 79 games while averaging 206 deflections(second on the Clippers).
Conversely, Harden’s overall defense is far from perfect, as he does have a weakness off the ball. This did not receive as much exposure in the regular season, but in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, who value cuts, LA has been punished because the former MVP is not quite focused.
Whether in a zone or man-to-man coverage, Harden gets cooked easily when Nikola Jokic is dribbling to eye the court. This will cost the Clippers the series, as the three-time scoring champion leads LA in the minutes played category.
James Harden has not always brought energy and focus on off-ball defense in the playoffs this season
Most players who add a defensive shortcoming see the bench more often than they play in postseason action. Deservingly, poor perimeter coverage this time of the year will lead to losses. You could be a below-average offensive player and an elite defender and get significantly more minutes than someone who is the opposite.
Moreover, the Clippers do not have the option to bench James Harden because of his scoring-playmaking magnitude. He is first in assists and second on his team in points through four games, three with thriller finishes that had a final score of within three points or less.
Additionally, Christian Braun was under the basket several times in game four because of a free cut. It was not all Harden, but when he was watching, unaware of where his man was, another defender had to help, which caused a breakdown.
Braun is known for cutting and receiving sharp passes from Jokic. This is how he averaged 15.4 points in 79 games.
That said, the Clippers’ playoff battle with the Nuggets is too compact for Harden’s focus to be lost in the sauce. He must exercise different techniques to avoid falling asleep with closed eyes.