James

Harden

After scoring 28 in a critical Game 6 victory, it appeared that Harden was ready to have a big Game 7. Unfortunately, it just didn’t happen. The assists were great, but he didn’t step up as a scorer in the way that a star should. Harden will be 36 at the start of next season, but there is no indication that he’ll slow down during the regular season. Managers should draft him with confidence next season, even if he continues to struggle during the postseason.

Harden rebounded from a quiet 11-point, five-assist performance in Game 5 with his second-highest scoring output of the series. The former 2018 NBA MVP was much more aggressive as a shot taker from the start and scored 21 first-half points after generating only nine total field-goal attempts the previous game. He led the team in scoring and also contributed as a facilitator, leading Los Angeles in assists for the game. Harden will have a chance to deliver another big performance in Saturday’s Game 7.

Harden had a quiet night on Tuesday, barely cracking double figures in scoring and failing to register double-digit shot attempts. The 2018 NBA MVP has faced a stifling Nuggets defense that, over the last few games, has forced the ball out of his hands, leading to inferior performances compared to earlier games in the series. Harden will look to have a bounce-back performance on Thursday as he tries to lead the Clippers to a season-saving victory in Game 6.

After attempting at least 14 shots in each of the first three games of the series, Harden was only responsible for 11 in Game 4. And the Nuggets were able to fluster The Beard, with things coming to a head in the form of an altercation late in the second quarter. Harden did make some solid plays late, with the Clippers ripping off a 32-9 fourth-quarter run to get back into the game. However, it wasn’t enough to secure the victory, with the Nuggets pulling even at two games apiece. He’ll need to be better in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.

Harden’s scoring has decreased since he dropped 32 in the Clippers’ series-opening defeat, but it has not negatively impacted the team’s success. In Game 3, The Beard was one of four starters to score at least 19 points, but the Clippers holding Denver to 83 points was the biggest reason why they won the first-ever playoff game at Intuit Dome by 34. Harden and the Clippers will look to take a 3-1 lead when they host Game 4 on Saturday.

After dropping 32 points in Game 1, Harden didn’t replicate that scoring in Game 2. That can mostly be attributed to Kawhi Leonard taking over this game, which led to fewer shots from Harden. The series shifts to Los Angeles, and Thursday will be the first playoff game in the Intuit Dome. Harden had 35 points and 10 assists against the Rockets in the Clippers’ last home game. Unless Kawhi goes nuclear again, expect Harden to be more involved on offense in Game 3.

Despite getting into first-half foul trouble, Harden had an excellent afternoon in Denver. While the production did not net the Clippers a victory in Game 1, The Beard made 50 percent of his shots and only committed two turnovers. Regardless of who the Nuggets assign to him defensively, this has the potential to be a massive series for Harden numbers-wise. He and the Clippers will look to earn a road split when they face the Nuggets in Game 2 on Monday.

Harden and the Clippers did what many did not believe them capable of before the season began, avoiding the play-in tournament due to their win in San Francisco. The Beard finished a game with at least 30 points and 10 assists for the 106th time in his career, tied for second-most in league history. Due to Sunday’s victory, the Clippers will be the fifth seed in the West, and they’ll face Denver in the first round.

Harden recorded the 80th triple-double of his career and made a few big plays late to help the Clippers secure the win. He also had a few rough plays down the stretch that nearly cost them, including two missed free throws and a turnover that gave the Kings the ball with two seconds left and a chance to win. It has been an excellent season for Harden, and he has really picked up his play recently as the Clippers push for a higher seed in the playoffs. They’ll take on the Warriors in the regular season finale on Sunday.

Harden’s 35 points were the most he’s scored in a game against the Rockets since leaving Houston. Given how tight the race in the middle of the Western Conference standings is, the Clippers will need Harden to be at his best for their final two games of the regular season. That’s good news for Harden managers in active leagues, as this should ensure that he’s available for the Clippers’ matchups with the Kings and Warriors.