James Harden Believes Los Angeles Clippers Have Talent to Win First NBA Title

3 days ago - Sports

James Harden is no stranger to the NBA playoffs, having appeared in numerous postseason games throughout his illustrious career. However, as he prepares to host his first playoff game at the new Intuit Dome in Game 3 of the Clippers' first round series against the Denver Nuggets, Harden is optimistic that his team has the talent to win their first NBA title in franchise history.

Harden's Confidence in Clippers' Roster

Harden, who was acquired by the Clippers in a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in November 2023, believes that the team's roster is well equipped to make a deep playoff run. With a healthy Kawhi Leonard, the 2019 NBA Finals MVP, alongside Harden, the Clippers have two of the league's top players. The team's defense has also been impressive, and Harden is confident that they can continue to shut down opponents as the playoffs progress.

Importance of Kawhi Leonard's Health

Kawhi Leonard's health is crucial to the Clippers' success, and Harden is well aware of this. When Leonard is on the court, the Clippers' chances of winning increase significantly. Harden has praised Leonard's work ethic and dedication to the team, and believes that when he is healthy, the Clippers can compete with any team in the league.

Ty Lue's Strategic Decision Making

In Game 5 of the Clippers' series against the Nuggets, Ty Lue made the strategic decision to use Harden as the primary defender on Nikola Jokic for stretches of the game. This decision paid off, as Jokic had a relatively pedestrian performance, scoring just 13 points and shooting 4 for 13 from the field. While the Nuggets still managed to win the game, largely due to their 50% shooting from three point range, Lue's decision making was widely praised.

James Harden's Impact Off the Court

James Harden is not just a talented basketball player; he is also committed to giving back to his community. Through his Impact13 Foundation, which was launched in 2021, Harden has been working to empower historically underserved communities facing socioeconomic hardships. The foundation has made a significant impact in various cities, including Houston, where Harden played for several years.

Harden's Personal Life and Career Satisfaction

At 35, Harden is grateful to be playing for the Clippers, a team based in his hometown of Los Angeles. He has spoken about the joy of being able to spend more time with his family and friends, and the satisfaction of being able to make a positive impact on his community. Harden's mother, Monja Willis, who raised him and his two siblings in Compton, is now cancer free, and Harden is grateful to be able to be closer to her.

Clippers' Championship Aspirations

The Clippers' championship aspirations are not just about Harden; they are about the entire team's ability to come together and perform at a high level. With a talented roster and a strong team culture, the Clippers have a legitimate chance to win their first NBA title. As Harden said, "We got a chance to be the last team standing, which is easier said than done. But we focus on ourselves. We are playing well right now."