The peak of Harden ‘s career was in the 2019-2020 season, when Harden played for the Rockets. He averaged 36.1 points per game in 2019 and 34.3 points per game in 2020. That year, the Rockets were just a little bit of luck away from winning the Western Conference championship.
The 36-year-old Harden is almost impossible to defend with his sharp three-pointers and breakthroughs into the restricted area. He is good at buying fouls and destroying the opponent’s defense. Harden has been an elite scorer in the league throughout his career.
In his 15-year NBA career, Harden has never been a team leader. He relies on offensive scoring to help the team and lead his teammates forward. Once his touch is not good and he is unlucky and cannot score, Harden loses his role and influence on the game.
Whether you like Harden or not, Harden is an A-list star in the league with extraordinary offensive scoring and foul-drawing abilities. If Harden is second, no one dares to say they are first.
The Clippers were missing star forward Paul George this season , and their other star player Kawhi Leonard only played in 17 games. Harden led the Clippers to a 32-26 record, sixth in the Western Conference, almost without the support of the two stars.
Harden’s scoring, shooting percentage, and three-point shooting percentage have all dropped to near career lows this year, but Harden understands the game better, is good at playing key balls, uses his personal abilities and breakthroughs to create more space for his teammates, and brings his teammates together to play better as a team.
We saw a better Harden this season.
Harden averaged 21.6 points and 8.6 assists per game this year, and his performance is still eye-catching, but it is still at least one level lower than his personal career level. His shooting percentage is 39.1%, the worst in his career, and his three-point shooting percentage is 34%, the lowest in the past three years.
The data has dropped at least one level. Why do I say this is a better Harden?
Without George’s on-court containment and Leonard’s influence on the game, Harden took on more responsibility for holding the ball and connecting with teammates. He was double-teamed more often and deeper, and endured more pressure from defense, and had more forced shots and single shots during the game.
The situation of Harden leading the Clippers this season is very similar to that of Stephen Curry before Jimmy Butler joined the Warriors, alone and without any help. However, Harden is much luckier than Curry because fortunately the Clippers have the league’s elite defensive performance and excellent teammates this year.
Clippers shooting guard Norman Powell averaged 24.2 points per game and shot 428% from three-point range, having the best season of his career. Powell was not selected for the Western Conference All-Star team this year, and many people felt sorry for him. Clippers center Ivica Zubac averaged 15.4 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, shooting 61% from the field, also having the best performance of her career.
With the two players playing their best performances of their careers and Harden providing passes and creating space for them, the Clippers are still a very competitive and resilient team.
The Clippers’ defensive efficiency has ranked among the top three in the league all season long, which is the biggest confidence behind the Clippers’ offensive power. Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy joined the coaching staff last summer and played a huge role. Even though the Clippers’ offense is missing two star players this season, they can still rank among the top six in the Western Conference and secure a playoff spot thanks to their elite defensive performance.
The Clippers have recently lost three games in a row. On February 27, Harden scored 30 points and 6 assists. He scored 20 points in the third quarter alone to lead the team to a reversal of the game. They defeated the Bulls 122:117 away from home and ended their three-game losing streak.
Harden’s key performance and leadership are truly impressive.
Although his shooting percentage has dropped and his three-point shooting accuracy has fluctuated, this is a Harden with greater leadership charisma and game influence.
Zubaz is the biggest beneficiary. Zubaz said, “Harden makes the game simpler. He passes the ball to every teammate, creates shooting space, and helps the team play more as a team and as a whole.”
Powell added, “The team’s condition and confidence in winning are entirely driven by Harden, and he is showing his influence on the game.”
A better Harden, more of a leader and team leader, deserves everyone’s attention.
