The Los Angeles Clippers wouldn’t be where they are this season without James Harden, who is headed to his first All-Star Game as a Clipper. It may very well be one of the best teams he’s been on, according to him. As things currently stand in the Western Conference, the Clippers remain confident. Currently sixth in the West at 28-20, LA has had its fair share of ups and downs this season. However, Harden and the Clippers have remained focused on the tasks ahead, always looking forward to the next game. As a result, Harden will be headed to San Francisco, selected for his 11th All-Star Game in his career.
James Harden Selected to 11th All-Star Game in 16th Season
This season, Harden has played very well to put this Clippers team where they are. It’s not the MVP Harden that everyone was amazed by while he was with the Houston Rockets. Nearing the end of his career playing where he grew up, Harden has taken on a leadership role for head coach Tyronn Lue.
The stats show Harden is averaging 21.5 points and 8.4 assists per game, but his leadership is leading this team. He has showed up in big moments, whether it’s controlling the game with the ball in his hands or becoming a decoy for other players to hit a big shot. Harden will do what it takes to win for LA.
There have been instances this season where Harden hasn’t played his best on the offensive end. His season-low in scoring is five points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, there are other times that Harden is playing as if he’s ten years younger. Harden has scored 40 or more points in three games. His season-high of 43 points back in November against the Washington Wizards.
As many know what Harden has been like on the offensive end in his career, it has been his defense that’s improved in the Clippers’ defensive system. Averaging 1.4 steals a game and getting a block about every other game, Harden hasn’t played this well defensively in years. Dating back to his time in Houston and Brooklyn, Harden’s contributions on the defensive end have helped this Jeff Van Gundy-led defense to a defensive rating of 107.6. That is the second-best in the NBA.
Harden Says Clippers Are “One of the Best Teams I’ve Ever Been On”
After an outstanding performance against the Milwaukee Bucks last week, Harden was interviewed about the game and how this team has united. Harden made some post-game comments regarding how well he has fit in with this Clippers team.
"One of the best teams I've ever been on!"- James Harden pic.twitter.com/sWocRM8KSm
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 26, 2025
It’s a fantastic feeling for Clippers fans to know what it’s like having someone like Harden on the squad. Understanding that he is not the same as he once was, but he is still contributing to the team’s results. The chemistry and camaraderie of this team have made this team grow closer together as a unit. As there is still a great amount of basketball left to be played, there is still damage to be done.
Harden and Clippers Want to End on High Note
Knowing that the end of his career is near, Harden is still playing All-Star-level basketball. He will need to keep this consistency and more come playoff time in a few months. With help from Kawhi Leonard on the wing and a potential big-time trade target to help bolster the squad’s playoff chances, Harden can surely lead this team to make some noise in April.
Photo credit: © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
