In a dramatic turnaround, the LA Clippers have surged from the bottom of the Western Conference to playoff contention, propelled by a four-game winning streak. Their latest victory, a decisive 119-105 win over the Washington Wizards on November 29, 2023, at the Intuit Dome, marked their 11th win in 13 games, establishing the team as the best in the NBA during that period. Following the game, James Harden expressed confidence that the Clippers could “come all the way back,” a remarkable feat considering their early-season struggles.
The Clippers started the season poorly, holding a dismal record of 6-21 and facing numerous controversies. Reflecting on the difficult start, Harden noted, “Some teams, when it gets that bad, they just let the wheels fall off. I had interviews where people were asking me, ‘How do you find confidence?’ and I’m like, ‘The confidence is there. The losses are frustrating, but the confidence is still there.'”
Harden attributed the recent success to improved defensive play and strategic adjustments. “I think finding little tweaks and being a lot better defensively is what really helped us out,” he said. As the team looks to build momentum, Harden emphasized the importance of taking it “one game at a time,” particularly as they aim to secure a spot in the play-in tournament ahead of the All-Star break.
As of now, the Clippers sit just half a game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the 10th place, which is crucial for playoff aspirations. Both Harden and Kawhi Leonard are strong candidates for participation in the upcoming All-Star Weekend, scheduled for February 13-15, 2024, at the Intuit Dome. Leonard has been particularly impressive, averaging 32.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 steals during the Clippers’ current run.
“We talk probably more than anybody,” Harden said, referring to his partnership with Leonard. “Once I see him flip the switch, it was like, ‘OK, yeah, it’s time to go.’ That’s the Kawhi we need. My job is just to facilitate, get him going, get us going. So it’s just been a complete 180.”
In addition to team success, Harden achieved a personal milestone by surpassing Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. This accomplishment is particularly meaningful for Harden, who grew up in Los Angeles watching O’Neal win championships with the Lakers. “That was a surreal moment just because as a kid growing up watching Kobe Bryant and Shaq, the Lake Show… to pass somebody who I really grew up watching, it’s unreal for real,” he remarked.
Despite the team’s early setbacks, Harden dispelled any rumors regarding his desire to leave Los Angeles. He emphasized the significance of playing in his hometown, stating, “Being at home, that’s like the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Just to be able to hoop in front of my family, friends, people I grew up with… it’s a different feeling.”
As the Clippers continue to gain momentum, the focus remains on maintaining their winning streak and solidifying their place in the playoff race. With Harden and Leonard leading the charge, the team is poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses.