The Los Angeles Clippers are on the verge of entering the top teams in the West, just one win away. In their recent matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, they deployed their talents in a high-scoring 249-144 victory. Leading the scoring charge was Kawhi Leonard, who contributed 36 points, with six Clippers scoring in double digits. Notably, Leonard made a significant impact by scoring 9 of his points in the last 5 minutes of the game. While the entire team performed admirably, the standout player of the night was James Harden.

Harden concluded the game with 30 points, shooting an impressive 50% from the field (7-14) and 6-9 from beyond the arc. Additionally, he grabbed 8 rebounds and recorded 10 assists, delivering a performance just shy of a triple-double. After the game, as players headed back from the arena, Harden shared a glimpse of his attire on X, humorously stating, “Felt like Killer Mike in the A tonight #Uno #CBFW,” reflecting on his monster game.

James Harden ignited the Clippers’ offense early with three impressive triples in the first quarter. Additionally, he maintained a perfect record from the free-throw line, going 10 of 10 throughout the game. Adding to his impactful performance, Harden delivered his iconic and-1 three-pointer late in the game, sealing the victory with nearly 1 minute left.

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With the win, the Clippers put an end to the Hawks’ four-game winning streak. The next face-off between these two teams is set for March 18, marking the second and final leg of their season series. As for their immediate schedule, the Hawks are gearing up to face the Boston Celtics on the road. The Clippers will return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans.

James Harden might be feeding off a teammate’s minutes

Entering the Clippers scene in early November, James Harden sought a change from the feuds with the Philadelphia 76ers and a diminished trade market value. Desiring to play alongside his superstar friends and actively contribute to a championship-winning team, Harden took over the point guard role for the Clippers. Consequently, Clippers guard Bones Hyland found himself relegated to a backseat, with no rotation minutes since Harden’s arrival.

Despite Hyland maintaining professionalism, the rotations of both Harden and Russell Westbrook have left little room for him to see the court. Consequently, Hyland’s name has emerged in trade talks, with the Minnesota Timberwolves showing interest in acquiring him as a reserve point guard. Timberwolves and Clippers are the two top teams in the West. Regardless, while trading between two contenders is uncommon, it is not impossible.

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On the other hand, Hyland’s contract for the coming season carries a modest value of $4.1 million, making him an attractive option for the Clippers in critical situations. As the trade market deadline approaches and the Clippers find their rhythm, the likelihood of trading Bones seems slim. However, with Hyland seeking more court time, the situation presents an intriguing possibility.