Clippers riding eight-game win streak, offering high praise to James Harden

Things didn’t go so well immediately after the Clippers acquired James Harden in a trade with the 76ers. In fact, the deal looked like a bust.

But that is ancient hoops history, as today, the Clippers are riding an eight-game winning streak, the longest since a 10-gamer back in 2015-16. And while it sure doesn’t hurt to have the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers are saying that no less than Harden is a massive reason for their recent success.

“I knew he could pass the ball, but just seeing some of the plays he’s able to make, I was like OK, because when he first came in the league, he wasn’t a great point guard,” coach Tyronn Lue said, via Janis Carr of the LA Daily News. “So, going to Houston and becoming a point guard and then just seeing the plays and passes he could make, it’s like ‘How does he do that?’

“Then defensively, he has some really good hands, deflections, steals and he’s good to guard the post. But for me, I think the biggest thing is, like I said, just his passing ability.”

Harden erupted for 21 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter in Monday’s road win over the Pacers. So yes, he’s still got it.

“It was fun to watch,” Leonard told reporters when asked about Harden’s late flurry.

Harden? The Clippers? Finally starting to work? It sure feels that way. And who would’ve guessed?

woke up feelin' like…@gatorade | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/jS6PeHXFyR

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 19, 2023