James Harden: ‘Felt Kind of Weird’ Taking Court in Clippers Debut, a Loss to Knicks

James Harden looked like the same old James Harden, except for the fact his jersey read “Clippers” on the front.

Also, star teammates no longer went by the names of Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, but Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook.

In the end, Harden and the Clippers dropped a 111-97 decision on the road to the Knicks on Monday. Harden scored 17 points and passed for six assists.

All in all, it was a solid night — but a night that made it clear the Clippers will still have to get used to each other.

“Felt kind of weird out there, not really having a preseason game or an opportunity to participate in a full training camp, none of that,” Harden told reporters. “I was out there just basically winging it, but I tried to go with my basketball instincts and what I’ve been doing for the last few years and whatnot, and just going out there and playing and thinking the game and trying to make the game easier for everybody else.”

As for the team overall, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said it will take more than just Harden and his fellow stars to get to where the team wants to go.

“So just because you acquire a guy like James Harden doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to win,” Lue said before the game. “You’ve got to put the work in and you’ve got to be ready to sacrifice.”

Eventually, the Clippers say they believe it will all come together. How long that will be, though, remains to be seen.

“If I knew then I’d be a genius at that point,” Harden said. “Hopefully sooner than later.”