Clippers’ Struggles Continue Despite Harden’s Heroics
The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves reeling after a gut-wrenching defeat to the Boston Celtics, falling to a dismal 4-9 on the season. The matchup on Sunday afternoon was fraught with challenges, including a slow start that was anticipated after the Clippers battled through a grueling two-overtime game just two days prior in Dallas. Traveling to the East Coast for an early game, they faced an uphill battle right from the tip-off.
An Impressive Comeback Falls Short
After trailing by as much as 24 points, the Clippers staged a remarkable comeback, showcasing their resilience. With a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, James Harden’s three-pointer danced tantalizingly on the rim before slipping out, sealing the Clippers’ fate in a contest that was both thrilling and heartbreaking.
The standout story, however, was once again Harden’s individual brilliance. Fresh off a career-high 51 minutes of play just 36 hours earlier, Harden displayed his prowess, particularly in the second half. He exploded for 32 of his 37 points after halftime, complemented by seven rebounds and eight assists over 38 minutes. This performance was a testament to Harden’s ability to deliver under pressure, as he consistently found ways to maneuver around the Celtics’ defense, drawing fouls and capitalizing at the free-throw line.
Harden’s Elite Season Overshadowed
Despite his extraordinary efforts, Harden’s individual success is being overshadowed by the broader struggles of the Clippers. Averaging his highest points per game since the 2019-20 season, Harden is also enjoying the most efficient run of his career, boasting a 65% True Shooting percentage. His three-point shooting is at a career-best 39.8%, yet he carries an immense offensive burden, leading the league in isolation plays.
As impressive as Harden’s statistics are, it raises a glaring concern: the Clippers have constructed a roster that leaves him to shoulder far too much responsibility at this stage of his career. The offseason acquisitions were aimed at fortifying the team’s depth, yet as the season unfolds, the reality is starkly different. With Bradley Beal sidelined for the season, Kawhi Leonard’s health remains a persistent issue, and Chris Paul finds himself collecting DNP-Coach’s Decision designations, the anticipated support for Harden has evaporated.
A Frustrating Situation for Harden
The situation is further compounded by the inability of the front office to build a competitive roster around Harden. The failure to provide adequate offensive support is not just a setback; it’s an embarrassment for a franchise that aimed for depth and versatility. The burden weighs heavily on Harden, who has every reason to feel frustrated.
The Clippers are squandering a remarkable season from an elite player. With each passing game, the question looms larger: How long can James Harden continue to perform at this level while the team falters around him? As the season progresses, the urgency for a solution grows more critical.
