PASSING F A NC Y
James Harden is shining in his new role, making the Clippers a real threat to take the West
THERE ARE two numbers commonly connected to the Clippers’ first-round flameout last season. The first: 171, as in regularseason games missed due to injury, which included sizeable chunks by Kawhi Leonard (30) and Paul George (26). The second: 14.2, the number of turnovers L. A. averaged per game, which ranked in the bottom half of the NBA. Leonard and George have been healthier this season. And James Harden has taken care of the rest.
After having spent years cycling through playmakers (Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, to name a few), the Clippers have found a match. Acquired from Philadelphia last October, Harden has continued his transformation from high-usage-rate scorer to reliable table setter. His scoring numbers are down but so are his turnovers, sending L. A. into the All-star break ranked in the top 10 in fewest per game. With Harden at the helm, the Clippers have become closers. Consider: The Clips held a lead entering the fourth quarter in 30 games before the break. They won 29 of them.
Harden’s playoff issues have been well chronicled, but for the first time since his years in Oklahoma City he won’t be a top-two scoring option. Leonard is having an Mvp-caliber season, George was an All-star and Norman Powell is a leading candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. That offensive firepower has created more catch-and-shoot opportunities for Harden, and he’s delivered, shooting over 40% from three for the first time. If it all comes together the Clippers could change another number: zero, as in the number of Finals appearances in franchise history.