Clippers’ James Harden Played Defense Against Kawhi Leonard vs. Blazers: ‘Got To Bring Some Excitement’

During the third quarter of the Los Angeles Clippers-Portland Trail Blazers game, James Harden played defense on Kawhi Leonard. While Leonard attempted a corner 3-pointer, Harden lunged at his NBA teammate and contested the shot. 

After the game, Harden explained his viral moment. 

“Got to bring some excitement to the team, you know what I mean?” Harden told NBA reporters, via The Athletic. “I think these last few weeks has been a fog for us. And I think every team goes through it. So I think just me just trying to create a good energy, a good vibe for this team.

“Maybe it would have been better if he made the shot, but it gives (us) something to laugh about … some excitement for us.”

The Clippers beat the Blazers by a final score of 116-103 to improve to 43-25 on the season. LAC is in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. 

“That’s what these games are for,” Harden said. “Obviously, we don’t take any opponent lightly. But tonight was a game where we had it going, especially in that second quarter, and we want to feel good about ourselves. Same thing for Friday, and then on to the next game. So I think at this point, it’s just making sure everybody’s excited and happy. And you want to see each other individually do well on the court. That’s the only way the team is going to work.”

The Clippers have never reached the NBA Finals in franchise history. They are expected to compete for this year’s title since Harden, Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook are four of the best players of all time. 

If the regular season ended today, the Clippers would face the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. It will be fascinating to see how far LAC goes in the 2024 postseason.