Los Angeles Clippers veteran superstar James Harden isn’t looking for his mouthguard anymore; he’s focused on getting the Clips into the playoffs. Harden has played all-star, superstar-caliber basketball since day one, and day one included the absence of Kawhi Leonard with no concrete timetable to return. Kawhi’s MIA status at the start of the season was the primary reason many had written the Clippers off, despite Harden still being in uniform. Instead, the Clippers fortunes changed when Harden started to put together an all-star campaign, playing like a superstar again. He’s the reason LA is still in the fire, and he’s the reason why the playoffs are on the horizon. As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst puts it, Harden is the catalyst for the Clippers being a ‘good success story’ this year.
Clippers In Play for Playoffs Thanks to Veteran Superstar
LA Clippers Superstar James Harden Is Showing Everyone He’s Not Washed
Whether or not Harden could lead a team without his superstar partner was a valid question leading up to the 2024-25 season’s start. Many viewed Harden as washed. It would appear, however, that those claims are false because Harden has kept the Clippers alive all season. Granted, he’s had significant help along the way, most notably from Norman Powell. Powell is having as close to career-year as he’s ever had, especially in scoring and overall team impact. His 23.8 PPG is the highest he’s ever achieved. Even though he’s presently on ice due to injury, there’s no doubt that the Clippers owe a chunk of their surprising success to him equally.
Harden, though, has captained the ship, even since Kawhi returned, and the Clippers are in the playoff race because of it. Windhorst recently sat in on an episode of the Sedano & Kap Show podcast hosted by ESPN sideline reporter George Sedano and Scott Kaplan. The Clippers came up amid a lengthy Lakers conversation, where Windhorst proceeded to give them and Harden their flowers [21:30 mark].
“I think James Harden is one of the stories of the year. He has come out with this transaction looking great, the Clippers and the contract they signed looking great. They are a great success story. They hit this rough patch where they go on this trip, and they have to come play the Lakers, flying high. He takes some losses, you know. If Norm Powell comes back and is able to stay healthy, it’s a different story.” Windhorst continued. “To me, great season for Norm Powell, great season for [Ivica] Zubac, great season for Harden, and it’s a really good success story, and they need more help.”
Can LA’s Success Translate Into A Deep Playoff Run?
How the Clippers fare once the playoffs begin is another question. As it stands, the Clippers are in the eighth seed out West. If the season ended today, they would be in a play-in scenario. The Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t too far ahead of them that they can’t catch up and overtake. It is possible the Clippers could end the season with a secured playoff spot. However, that would mean either the Warriors or Timberwolves would have to drop, and it doesn’t look like the Warriors, at least, are dropping anywhere.
What can the Clippers do if they reach round one? Time will tell, but it will be a tough road regardless. Harden will have to put aside his past playoff shortcomings and do what he’s been doing all season. If the Clippers make a run, Harden will be the primary reason.
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