LA Clippers point guard James Harden expressed his ongoing determination to make an impact during the postseason despite his already illustrious career.
In the absence of Kawhi Leonard for Game 1, Harden showcased his scoring prowess with an impressive first-half performance, contributing 20 of his 28 points to help the Clippers establish a commanding 29-point lead against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
“I still have the ability to score at an elite level,” Harden stated confidently. “For this team, my role is to create high-quality scoring opportunities for my teammates and make their jobs easier. But when the situation demands it, I’m more than capable of putting points on the board myself. With Kawhi sidelined, I knew I had to step up, and I embraced that challenge.”
Despite Leonard’s absence, the Clippers delivered one of their most spirited performances of the season in the series opener. Ivica Zubac’s dominant presence in the paint, combined with Russell Westbrook and Terance Mann’s energetic efforts on both ends of the floor, set the tone for the team. Additionally, Paul George’s clutch scoring in the fourth quarter proved pivotal in sealing the victory.
However, it was Harden’s aggressive scoring mentality in the first half that provided a crucial spark for the Clippers. Coach Ty Lue had emphasized the importance of Harden’s scoring ability, particularly in Leonard’s absence, and Harden responded emphatically by capitalizing on his scoring opportunities.
“James’ scoring was a significant factor for us tonight,” Lue emphasized. “When he’s aggressive and looking for his shot, it adds another dimension to our offense. He understands his role within the team, but he also knows when to assert himself as a scorer, especially in games like these.”
Harden’s impact extended beyond just scoring, as he also contributed eight assists, facilitating scoring opportunities for his teammates. In total, he either scored or assisted on 49 points for the Clippers, highlighting his all-around offensive contribution.
With Leonard’s availability uncertain for Game 2, Harden may once again be called upon to shoulder a significant portion of the scoring load. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in crucial moments could prove decisive for the Clippers as they look to maintain their momentum in the series.
“James came up big for us when we needed him the most,” Zubac remarked. “He has the capability to be a dominant scorer every night, and he showcased that tonight. With Kawhi out, we needed him to step up, and he delivered. That’s the kind of player he is, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team.”