JJ Redick had nothing but kind words for Clippers vet James Harden as the NBA season’s inaugural matchup of Los Angeles tipped off Sunday evening. The Lakers fell 116-102 to their city rivals despite LeBron James‘s 25-point, 11-assist outing. For Redick, though, it was Harden’s night that killed the purple and gold, and the first-year head coach didn’t shy away from complimenting the generational player.
JJ Redick Praises Clippers Veteran’s Prolonged Mastery
Lakers JJ Redick Calls Out Clippers’ James Harden…In a Good Way
Harden has always performed as one of his generation’s most talented and skilled players. Outside of his generation, he is among the highest-skilled offensive players in the history of the NBA. Even now, at 35 years of age, Harden has not let up on his ability to score in bunches and create a threatening offense. He can still ‘dice up defenses,’ as Redick put it before his team took to the Intuit Dome for the first of two meetings in Steve Ballmer’s new palace. As for Harden, Redick had nothing but great things to say about his NBA mastery over his career.
“He’s one of the smartest players that has played in this generation. He can dice up your defense in a number of ways. He’s seen every coverage, he’s seen every gimmick, and he continues to produce at a high level.”
Harden had 21 points and 12 assists in the Clippers win over the Lakers. He wasn’t alone, though, as Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points of his own. Norman Powell, who is crafting a spectacular season, added 22 points to lead the team. It was Harden’s offensive presence and threat that fuelled the Clippers victory, though, as Redick spent 48 minutes watching from the sideline.
Keeping the Clip’s In Contention
Harden, who should garner many All-Star votes, is one primary reason why the Clippers are even alive in the West. It was unsure where they would be in the standings or how much compete they would have without Kawhi to start the season. Harden was coming into his 16th season, and how far he could lead a team on his own was debatable. Those debates seem foolish now, considering where the Clippers are in the West.
The Beard hasn’t been entirely alone, though. Powell is making his own All-Star case beside Harden. The former Toronto Raptor has shot the three-ball with pristine accuracy this season. He averages 44.6 % from long distance and 49.3% from the field overall to the tune of 23.6 points per game—a career-high. He and Harden created a one-two offensive punch that enabled the Clippers to maintain a playoff position in the standings. Now that Kawhi has returned, the Clips could become dangerous as the back half of the season begins.
Harden’s Playoffs Have to Count
The knock on Harden has always been his postseason shortcomings. It’s not that he can’t go out there and score 40 on a team. He did that in the final moments of his Philadelphia 76ers tenure but was unable to be consistent before the Sixers bowed out that postseason. Harden has carried a choking persona wherever he goes in the playoffs. Right now, Harden looks as good as ever. But in the playoffs, Harden has to take on a different persona if the Clip’s want to truly make something of their first season away from the Lakers basement.
