Ohm Youngmisuk, an experienced sports journalist who has covered various teams and leagues since 2006, including the Giants, Jets, NBA, and NFL, highlighted LA Clippers point guard James Harden’s determination to prove himself in the postseason. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence in Game 1 due to knee inflammation, Harden showcased his scoring prowess, contributing 28 points in the Clippers’ 109-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena.
Harden asserted his faith in his scoring skills, highlighting his responsibility to create high-quality scoring opportunities for his team while also facilitating plays for his teammates. Acknowledging Leonard’s absence, Harden understood the necessity to step up both in terms of playmaking and scoring, a challenge he embraced and successfully executed during the game.
The Clippers demonstrated resilience and cohesion in Leonard’s absence, with players like Ivica Zubac, Russell Westbrook, Terance Mann, and Paul George stepping up to secure the win. However, it was Harden’s first-half performance, particularly his outside shooting, that provided a significant boost to the team.
Coach Ty Lue had previously urged Harden to be more aggressive in scoring, a directive that Harden embraced, evident in his recent performances leading up to Game 1. Lue emphasized the importance of Harden’s scoring contributions, especially when key players like Leonard and George are unavailable.
Harden’s scoring output against the Mavericks echoed his past postseason performances, where he delivered standout games but also faced scrutiny for his efficiency in crucial moments. Nevertheless, Harden’s all-around contribution, including eight assists in Game 1, underscored his impact on the Clippers’ offense.
With uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s availability for Game 2, Harden may once again shoulder a significant portion of the scoring load. Teammates like Zubac acknowledged Harden’s ability to excel as a scorer and emphasized his importance in Leonard’s absence. Harden’s performance in Game 1 showcased his determination to excel in the postseason and support his team’s championship aspirations.
