James Harden: “Still Can Score With the Best Of Them”; Silences Critics After Leading Clippers’ 109-97 Mavs Assault

James Harden dialed back the clock against the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Clippers guard went off to a flying start to his 15th playoff season. In the absence of Kawhi Leonard, the team required the service of the Beard and he showed up with the bang. Following the game, Harden spoke his mind when the reporters asked him about his starry performance. A reporter asked him about his insane first half, and Harden said, “I can score with the best of them. I still can score with the best of them”.

“My role for this team is just to generate really good shots or making guys jobs easier and when my number is called, I can score the basketball,” James Harden concluded. He dropped 20 out of his 28 points in the first half, which also included four 3-pointers. Notably, the 34-year-old superstar has had a different role with the Clippers since the start of the season.

As the team was already filled with star offense machines like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, James Harden took up the role of a facilitator and orchestrator. Eventually, the superstar’s points column took a hit, as he averaged only 16.6 points per game this season, compared to his 20+ points seasons in the last 10 years.

Speaking of Harden’s evolution into an orchestrator, the Clippers’ coach Tyronn Lue dived deeper into the superstar’s mindset. In a recent interview with Ringer, he said, “He’s (Harden) talking to the guys like, ‘Man, it’s not about your minutes, not about shots, it’s about winning… who gives a fuck if I take five shots, four, it don’t matter, all that matters is winning.'” However, the Clippers needed James Harden‘s offensive service apart from his playmaking in Kawhi Leonard’s absence.

Kawhi Leonard has been struggling with knee inflammation in recent times. While The Klaw already missed the last eight games of the regular season, Harden might have to continue his offensive brilliance for a few more games.

Where did the Mavs go wrong against James Harden & Co?

The Dallas Mavericks returned to the playoffs scene after missing out in the last season. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic have worked magic for the Mavs, as they carried the team offensively to the 5th spot. Today, even the duo’s 64-point combined effort couldn’t save the team.

Facing the Clippers in Game 1, the Mavs might have expected to see more of Harden and PG-13 in the beginning. But, it was Ivica Zubac, who dominated the paint initially, leaving the Mavs’ defense all over the place. Daniel Gafford, the new big man, didn’t have answers to Zubac. He ended up scoring 20 points with 15 rebounds. Gafford, after the game, said, “I didn’t come ready to play. I have to be better.” 

Adding to that, Irving spoke about how Zubac’s threat near the paint initially rattled the Mavs. He said, “It kinda threw us for a little bit of a loop when they started off the game with him posting up.” Nevertheless, it didn’t stop there, as James Harden then built on the initial momentum with his 20-point outing in the first half.

At one point, Irving was taken off the court during a 20-point deficit, the 8x NBA All-Star was seen pouring his emotions out in frustration. Fans might get to watch a special comeback from Irving & Co. in Game 2. Who will win this series? Let us know your predictions in the comments.