James Harden’s Triple-Double Performance Ends Clippers’ Slide
James Harden took center stage on Friday night, delivering a dazzling performance that propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a much-needed victory over the Dallas Mavericks, effectively halting their six-game losing streak. The former MVP’s stats read like a classic highlight reel: 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, achieved on 13-of-25 shooting. What stands out even more is that he logged a career-high 51 minutes on the court, a testament to his dedication and conditioning at age 36. However, this remarkable display raises questions about the sustainability of such a heavy burden on a veteran player.
The Burden of Expectations
Clippers head coach Ty Lue’s urgency to snap the losing streak is palpable, and his decision to lean heavily on Harden is understandable. Yet, the reality remains that no player in their mid-thirties should be expected to shoulder such a workload, particularly in November. Harden’s usage rate soared to 30.8% during the game, mirroring his season average, which continues to eclipse the numbers from his previous seasons since the 2019-20 campaign with the Houston Rockets.
This reliance on Harden becomes even more pronounced when considering that, according to NBA.com, he leads the league in both the volume of isolation plays and the percentage of his possessions that involve such plays. The Clippers’ approach appears increasingly untenable.
An Offense in Need of Variety
The Clippers’ offensive strategy has become slow and predictable, primarily revolving around Harden’s isolation and pick-and-roll plays. While he remains an elite offensive talent, the team’s offensive efficiency reflects the limitations of their current scheme. Against the Mavericks, the Clippers managed a mere 107.3 offensive rating, ranking as one of the league’s worst. With a current offensive output of 113.2 points per 100 possessions, they sit at 23rd in the league in offensive ranking.
To break free from this stagnation, the Clippers must explore more diverse offensive strategies. This could involve reducing Harden’s on-ball time, integrating Chris Paul more effectively, utilizing Bogdan Bogdanović and Nicolas Batum as playmakers, and increasing post plays with Ivica Zubac. Such adjustments will be even more crucial once the team welcomes Kawhi Leonard back into the fold.
The Need for Caution
As the Clippers navigate their way through the regular season, they must be cautious not to overextend Harden. While the immediate goal is to secure wins and end losing streaks, the long-term health and performance of their veteran star should be paramount. Relying heavily on a 36-year-old player to carry the offensive load is a risky gamble, and the Clippers must find a way to balance their offensive production without jeopardizing Harden’s longevity.
