The Clippers entered their Wednesday game against the Trail Blazers having lost four of their last five games. They got back on track against Portland in a 116-103 win, but they didn’t make the win as easy as it could have been.
Case in point, James Harden’s decision to play 3-point defense against teammate Kawhi Leonard instead of taking an open look at the Clippers superstar.
Harden’s contest came with just over four minutes left in the third quarter. The Clippers led by 21 when he threw a pass to a wide-open Leonard in the corner for what looked like an easy 3-point attempt.
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But Harden inexplicably followed his pass to the corner and put a hand on Leonard’s face as he launched the shot.
James Harden contesting Kawhi’s shot. ??
– Central Hoop (@TheHoopCentral) March 21, 2024
Naturally, many wondered what Harden’s goal was in shutting down Leonard. He was asked about the play in a postgame news conference and detailed his goal of quickly turning his offense into defense.
“I was trying to bring some enthusiasm to this team,” Harden explained to reporters. “I think these last few weeks have been a fog for us. I think every team goes through that. So I think it was just me trying to create energy, create a great vibe for this team. Maybe it would have been better if “He was right, but give them something to laugh at, some emotion.
Leonard, for his part, did not seem amused by Harden’s actions. The 6-9 forward appeared exasperated after missing the 3-point shot and appeared to raise his arms as he looked at Harden after the play.
Maybe The Klaw can eventually laugh at Harden’s defensive effort. After all, Los Angeles scored an easy victory over Portland.
Still, wasting time in the third quarter is not a good idea for Harden. The superstar may have been confident that the Clippers would beat the Trail Blazers, but even 21-point leads aren’t safe in today’s NBA. Harden doesn’t have to look back too far to remember it, as the Clippers blew one against the Lakers on February 28.
It will be interesting to see if the Clippers let Harden’s antics slide or if Leonard and coach Tyronn Lue need to talk to the veteran guard about taking every game seriously as Los Angeles looks to avoid the Western Conference play-in tournament.