On the first game of a back-to-back, the LA Clippers held a 23-point lead over the Phoenix Suns with time left in the third quarter. This was remarkable, as the Clippers had faced adversity and played without their leading scorer, Norman Powell.
Superstars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were playing great, and the interior beast Ivica Zubac scored and rebounded on another level. However, when head coach Tyronn Lue made substitutions, the lead faded.
Furthermore, the offense was without a reliable threat, and NBA icon Kevin Durant turned automatic over every defensive switch. The game soon came down to the wire, and similar to previous clutch showings, the Clippers made careless mistakes, which led to a two-point loss.
The next night, without Leonard, Powell, and others, Harden and the Clippers had to end the night with a win against the Detroit Pistons, or else they would have fallen even deeper into the play-in tournament.
Not only did the Clippers win by eight, but Harden put on a vintage performance LA fans have never seen from him. He posted 50 points, five assists, and four rebounds, shooting 14-24 from the field, including six triples. This was the franchise's first 50-point performance since Lou Williams in 2018.
Moreover, though Harden carried LA to a win, the Clippers are still in the play-in tournament, an outcome that was out of sight. Consequently, the fear of missing the top six remains high, mainly because they have lost six out of their last eight.
James Harden dominated, but the LA Clippers must be focused on the games ahead
James Harden scoring 50 points at 35 is extremely difficult, but the LA Clippers must save the celebrations for when they jump back into the Western Conference's top six seeds.
Over the coming days, the Clippers are booked to battle teams like the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, and Miami Heat. These competitors are all high-level opponents and will give LA a difficult fight to win.
Additionally, Norman Powell strained his right hamstring and will be reevaluated shortly. This injury significantly hurts the Clippers, as their offense desperately needs his gravity, volume, and efficiency. Not to mention, he will be ineligible to win the Most Improved Player award.
That said, Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac now have to get the Clippers into the top six and lead LA to their NBA Finals dreams with little time to spare.