The Clippers have been on a roll late recently, winning the last five of six games, including going 3-1 at home in the Intuit Dome. Since starting the season 0-4 at home, the Clippers have gone 25-7. The LA Clippers have also begun to play well lately together, which is definitely important because the Clippers are trying to avoid falling into the play-in position and climb back into the top-6 seed in the Western Conference.
One of the main factors why the Clippers have been hot lately is James Harden which is going to be a factor for the team as they are trying to get to the playoffs. Before the season started, many predicted the Clippers would be below .500, especially since the team lost Paul George during free agency, and Kawhi was injured most of the season. Though James Harden was not in the best shape early during the season, Harden picked it up as the regular season went on, and everyone and the Clippers fans saw the old version of Harden and why he’s still an elite player.
James Harden has also brought the mentality of being the leader and veteran to the team besides Kawhi. From scoring 50 points in a game to passing Moses Malone on 11th as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history last week. Though Harden is having an average season for the Clippers, he’s currently averaging 22.5 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. It’s all part of the reason why the Clippers are 40-31.
Though Harden is shooting 39.6% from the floor which might bring the Clippers down in the playoffs, Ty Lue has a game plan that will work for him and the rest of the team. Harden is currently the lone active player in the NBA to have a long consecutive streak of making the playoffs, which is at 15 for him.
For the Clippers to advance far in the playoffs, Harden needs to step up.
The post LA Clippers getting hot as regular season is coming to a close, Harden being the leader of the team appeared first on Los Angeles Sports Nation.