When it seemed like all was lost for the Los Angeles Clippers, they seem to have found a new lease on life. With most of their star players healthy and suiting up, the usual excuses no longer seemed valid for the team, which is why their inexplicable 6-21 start to the season left most people puzzled.
But the end of the calendar year seems to be bringing a change for the team. Winners of four straight, they are trying to stave off the stench of a terrible start. But according to the team’s most consistent performer, James Harden, the reason for their success is an underrated name on the roster.
James Harden Knows What’s Turned the Season for the Clippers
As a bottom-five team in defensive rating, the issue has persisted throughout the entire season for the Los Angeles team. As a result, they have been unable to offer any resistance, with the offense struggling to keep pace with the bleeding on the other end.
However, on this streak, they have changed their tune completely. Holding two of their opponents to under 100 points and all four below 110, they’ve locked down on that side of the ball. And Harden recognizes that transformation. Averaging 26.3 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, he’s continued to be the offensive hub for the Clippers. Yet, after the game, he gave all of the credit for their recent winning ways to the offseason acquisition, Brook Lopez.
After becoming a key cog for the Milwaukee Bucks as the floor spacer at the center position while providing DPOY-calibre defense on the other end, the Clippers lured him away this summer. However, a slow start for the team coincided with a drop in production from the former All-Star.
Averaging just seven points and under three rebounds per game, he hadn’t lit the world on fire in his 20+ games with the Clippers. However, the last couple of weeks have brought a change in that regard. Harden explained it best when he said, “Honestly, credit to Brook.”
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“What he brings to the table defensively. His communication, him contesting shots at the rim, shot-making ability, spacing. A combination of those things has helped us overall as a team offensively.”
Going a step further, he called him a “true professional” for sacrificing his minutes and role earlier in the season, despite his illustrious resume. Now that he’s back to earning consistent minutes, the results are clear as day for everyone to see.
