Clippers’ Remarkable Turnaround: James harden Believes Playoff Push is Within Reach
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A stunning reversal of fortune has the LA Clippers believing a playoff berth is attainable, despite a disastrous start to the season. After securing their fourth consecutive victory – a 119-105 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday at the Intuit Dome – and boasting an remarkable 11-2 record in their last 13 games, the best in the NBA during that span, James Harden expressed confidence that the team can “come all the way back.”
From Bottom of the West to playoff contenders
Just weeks ago, the Clippers found themselves languishing near the bottom of the Western conference standings. Now, they are rapidly climbing the ranks, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and improved play on both ends of the court. “The confidence is there. The losses are frustrating, but the confidence is still there,” Harden said, encapsulating the team’s resilient spirit.
The Clippers’ resurgence has been fueled by incremental improvements, particularly on the defensive end.”I think finding little tweaks and being a lot better defensively is what really helped us out,” the player continued. “Now we got to take one game at a time, just like when we were in the hole. We can come all the way back, but we have to chip away, chip away and really build some momentum going into the All-Star break.”
Play-In Tournament Within Sight
Currently, the Clippers are only a half-game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the 10th seed and the final spot in the play-in tournament. The team’s recent success has also put both Harden and Kawhi Leonard firmly in the conversation for All-Star Weekend, scheduled for February 13-15 at the intuit Dome.
Leonard has been particularly dominant during the 11-2 run, averaging 32.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Harden is also contributing substantially, averaging 24.8 points and 7.8 assists.
The dynamic between the two stars has been crucial to the team’s turnaround.”we talk probably more than anybody,” Harden said of 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 facilitate, get him going, get us going. So it’s just been a complete 180.”
A Historic Milestone and Hometown loyalty
Beyond the team’s success, Harden recently achieved a personal milestone, surpassing Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. The accomplishment held special significance for the Los Angeles native, who grew up watching O’Neal lead the Lakers to championships alongside kobe Bryant.
“That was a surreal moment just because as a kid growing up watching Kobe and Shaq, the Lake Show, Robert Horry, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, all those guys,” Harden reflected. “To pass somebody who I really grew up watching, it’s unreal for real.”
Amidst the Clippers’ early-season struggles, speculation arose regarding Harden’s potential desire to leave his hometown. However, the veteran guard emphatically dismissed such notions. “It’s hard to explain,” he said. “Being at home, that’s like the possibility of a lifetime for me. Just be able to hoop in front of my family, friends, people I grew up with, people that raised me. It’s a different feeling. So as much as people talk all the time. That’s social media, that’s what people’s jobs are to talk. For me, it’s just like I’m actually living in it so I can’t get caught up in what people talk about, how people feel, whatever the case.”
Harden concluded, “I’m from L.A. and I’m blessed to be here.” The Clippers’ journey is far from over, but with renewed confidence and a commitment to incremental progress, they are poised to make a serious push for the playoffs.
