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via Imago

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James Harden’s debut for the Clippers didn’t go according to the script, as they lost in comprehensive fashion to the Knicks. The New York Knicks completely stifled their offense and restricted the Clippers to just 97 points in the game. James Harden finished the game with 17 points and 6 assists in 31 minutes of playing time. However, Kawhi Leonard finished the game with 18 points, the most by a Clippers player in the game.

After the game, Clippers’ head coach Ty Lue left no room for doubt regarding the team’s main player, especially in light of James Harden’s “System” remarks.

Ty Lue calls Kawhi “the best player”

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The Los Angeles Clippers made their title intentions very clear when they traded for James Harden on 31st October. Harden came into a squad already loaded with superstars like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. This ultimately led to many fans and analysts alike having inhibitions about their team chemistry. In his first press conference as a Clipper, Harden further aggravated these inhibitions by claiming “I’m not a system player, I’m a system.” However, his addition adds much needed playmaking, an attribute the Clippers have severely missed since acquiring Kawhi and PG13.

James Harden made his much awaited Clippers’ debut against the Knicks yesterday. But it ended with a whimper, as it was the first time Harden lost in a debut game. The Clippers held the lead in the game until halftime, but a woeful fourth quarter performance compounded their misery. Kawhi’s unselfish nature was on full display, as he took just six shots till the half-time. But, Kawhi finished the game with 18 points, the most by a Clipper during the match. In his post-match interview, Ty Lue called Kawhi “The best player” on the Clippers roster. Under increased pressure, can Kawhi Leonard guide the Clippers to victory, much like he did with the Toronto Raptors in 2019?

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Toronto Raptors’ 2019 triumph

In the 2018-2019 NBA season, the Toronto Raptors achieved a historic milestone by securing their first NBA championship. Led by superstar Kawhi Leonard and coached by Nick Nurse, the Raptors displayed tenacious defense and clutch performances throughout the playoffs. Their journey to the title included a thrilling seven-game series against the Philadelphia 76ers, with Leonard hitting the iconic series-winning shot.

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In the NBA Finals, they faced the Golden State Warriors and managed to win the series in six games, with Leonard earning NBA Finals MVP honors. The Raptors’ championship victory was not only a triumph for the team but also a celebration for Canadian basketball fans. The Raptors victory marked a historic moment in the franchise’s history.

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