James Harden finally got to taste victory as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. And he was the one to deliver it, helping the team snap a six-game losing streak.
Harden hit a go-ahead three-pointer to give the Clippers a 103-100 lead in the final 10 seconds of Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets while drawing a foul. He then sank the free throw, before Kawhi Leonard added two more points to put a finishing touch on the 106-100 win.
Harden finished the game with 24 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, delivering his best performance in a Clippers’ jersey.
“I’m getting real close,” Harden said after the game. “I’m getting close to myself every game. I feel like I’m improving.”
The Clippers acquired James Harden on November 1st in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden was expected to be the final piece of the puzzle for the LA team in their bid to win an NBA title, but his time with the franchise got off to a rocky start.
Harden, who hasn’t played for the 76ers this season in attempts to force a trade, struggled to get into playing shape and gel with his new teammates. The Clippers ended up losing game after game, leading many to question the move.
However, if the Rockets game is any indicator, the Clippers might be finally clicking and playing to their potential. We will have a chance to see if that’s the case on Monday, when they face the San Antonio Spurs.
