The Los Angeles Clippers put on a show Monday night, beating the Indiana Pacers, 151-127.
James Harden was a huge part of the team’s robust win, scoring 35 points and 9 assists and going 8-of-11 from the three-point line.
On SiriusXM NBA Radio, Ryan McDonough said that he has been blown away by Harden, who he calls “video game James.”
He feels Harden has been more aggressive and more connected with his fellow players.
This has all led to one big question for McDonough: “Should we be talking about the L.A. Clippers as potential championship contenders?”
“Should we be talking about the L.A. Clippers as potential championship contenders?”
Ryan McDonough tells @TheFrankIsola he’s been impressed with the Clippers, especially after James Harden’s performance last night#ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/H6w4IfWzmV
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 19, 2023
It took a while but Harden is now performing like an All-Star again.
He is currently averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game and has been playing much better over the last several games.
As noted by McDonough, Harden has been getting to the free-throw line more often, is solid and reliable from all over the court, and has been creating more assists and playing better with the rest of the team.
The Clippers have been climbing up the Western Conference standings and are now the sixth seed with a 16-10 record.
It’s not just Harden who is doing so well, as Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook are also showing up game after game.
Just a few weeks ago, people were ridiculing Harden, his departure from the Philadelphia 76ers, and his tarnished legacy.
But those same people are revising their opinions about the ten-time All-Star because he really looks like he is ready to play hard once again.
Now the question is if the Clippers can stay healthy and if Harden can remain consistent for the rest of the season.
If that happens, there is every reason to believe they could be championship contenders.
NEXT:
Clippers Star Reacts To James Harden’s Big Night
