Former MVP Is Dragging the Clippers to Relevance One Legendary Night at a Time
James Harden was never supposed to outdo his all-star and All-NBA campaign from last season, yet that is exactly what is happening in Los Angeles. The 36-year-old guard is performing at a level that defies logic, age, and circumstance, turning what should have been a transitional stretch for the Clippers into a nightly showcase of brilliance. His performance against the Dallas Mavericks, where he poured in 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in 51 minutes, sent shockwaves through the league and reminded fans that decline is nowhere on Harden’s horizon. His consistency has been the steady heartbeat of a team dealing with more setbacks than solutions.
The most astonishing part of Harden’s run is the context surrounding it, which few superstars in recent memory have had to endure. Kawhi Leonard remains unavailable while he deals with a pair of injuries, and Bradley Beal’s fractured hip has removed yet another essential scoring option. Harden is carrying a roster missing two max-level players while trying to keep a second unit afloat that often struggles to contribute more than the bare minimum. His ability to post massive stat lines despite the talent vacuum around him has forced fans and analysts to recognize that he is still one of the top guards in the Western Conference.
Recent games have showcased just how wide the gap is between Harden and the rest of Los Angeles’ rotation. Before the Dallas explosion, he delivered a 35-point triple-double against the Atlanta Hawks and opened the season with 30 points against the Phoenix Suns. The only player providing anything close to consistent support is Ivica Zubac, who initially started the season off in rhythm but has since rediscovered his footing. The rest of the roster has rotated in and out of relevance, with Bogdan Bogdanović, John Collins, and Derrick Jones Jr. each taking turns as the team’s third-best option without holding the role long enough to stabilize the offense.
This constant fluctuation has placed the Clippers in a difficult position, as their win-loss record reflects the turbulence surrounding Harden. His performances have kept the Clippers competitive, yet they still need reinforcements if they want to capitalize on his incredible stretch of play. His elite playmaking, scoring bursts, and durability have given fans a renewed sense of hope and have reopened the conversation about his place among the league’s best guards. His current pace has validated those who still view him as an elite point guard and reminded the league that he refuses to fade. The Clippers must find a way to support this historic run before it becomes another wasted season.
