For sixteen years, James Harden has confidently gone to war against iconic teams, like the unstoppable Golden State Warriors, with whoever is in his cast. This has included two attempts with Kevin Durant and guys like Joel Embiid, Chris Paul, and Kyrie Irving. There are others and a long list of talented role players, but those four are some of his most unforgettable teammates.
However, Harden is one of the few veteran, hall-of-fame players without a ring, sculpted with diamonds and a team logo, to boast about. Many disapprove of his playoff consistency, but the former MVP has never merged his style with a first-option that consistently wins in the regular season and postseason.
Harden, whose prime ended but was still elite, was traded to the LA Clippers at 34 to play with Kawhi Leonard. This pairing was like another superstar joining Harden's directory, but Leonard is arguably the winningest player in NBA history.
With two championships, an exceptional regular season record, and dozens of playoff wins, Leonard is the best postseason teammate Harden has ever had. This duo is one Clipper Nation did not think would happen but miraculously worked as Paul George transferred to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Moreover, last night and the whole series, Leonard proved his reputation over Durant, Paul, Embiid, and Irving.
James Harden can star for one half, and that is enough while Kawhi Leonard flourishes in the second for LA
Though debaters could argue, Kawhi Leonard's 2025 run against the Denver Nuggets, so far, is better than every player who has cooperated with James Harden. Throughout the series(three games), Leonard is averaging 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals, shooting 60.8% from the field and 50.0% from three.
Furthermore, Harden has recorded over 30 points once, but he has not had to do so consistently next to Leonard. They seem to communicate at what point in the game they each flip the switch and attack to get buckets.
The plan of action may vary, but in game three, Harden had 20 points, and a chunk of those were posted in the first. Leonard, who had 21, spread out his points across four quarters and guided LA to a win of 34 over the Nuggets.
That said, a three-game sample is small, but it does present factual evidence about Leonard's greatness and how he compares to the teammates in Harden's career.