Clippers Ride Harden’s Hot Hand in Playoff Push
The Los Angeles Clippers are locked in a fierce battle for playoff positioning as the NBA regular season winds down. Currently situated in the play-in tournament bracket if the postseason were to commence today, the Clippers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to secure a guaranteed playoff berth.
On Wednesday, the Clippers took a significant step towards solidifying their playoff aspirations by dispatching the Detroit Pistons with a final score of 123-115. The victory, a much-needed morale booster, was largely attributable to an explosive performance from veteran guard James Harden, who erupted for a season-high 50 points.
Harden’s scoring outburst not only propelled the Clippers to victory but also marked a personal milestone for the 11-time NBA All-Star. The 50-point performance represented Harden’s highest single-game scoring total of the 2024-25 campaign, showcasing his enduring offensive prowess.
Harden has been a consistent presence in the Clippers’ lineup this season, appearing in 59 of the team’s 62 games. His dedication to the team and his willingness to contribute night in and night out have been invaluable assets for the Clippers as they navigate the challenges of a demanding NBA season.
As they prepared for Friday night’s home game against the formidable New York Knicks, the Clippers held the eighth position in the Western Conference standings. Their quest to climb the standings and secure a more favorable playoff seed will undoubtedly be a central focus in the remaining weeks of the regular season.
The Clippers’ recent victory over the Pistons was particularly noteworthy considering that fellow star Kawhi Leonard was sidelined due to rest. Leonard’s absence underscored the importance of Harden’s leadership and offensive contributions in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Harden’s workload has seen a noticeable increase since the All-Star break in February. His playing time in the Clippers’ recent games has reflected his willingness to shoulder a heavier burden as the team strives for playoff success.
Following Wednesday’s game, Harden was asked about the uptick in his playing minutes. His response was both succinct and resolute: "I’ll rest when the season’s over," the Clippers guard stated before departing, signaling his unwavering commitment to the team’s playoff ambitions.
Harden’s physical conditioning has been a recurring topic of discussion throughout his NBA career. In 2022, reports surfaced indicating that Harden and then-Brooklyn Nets teammate Kevin Durant had experienced disagreements stemming from Durant’s perception that Harden was not in optimal physical shape.
The Clippers’ recent performance has been a mixed bag, with the team posting a 2-6 record over their last eight games. This stretch of inconsistent play highlights the challenges the Clippers face as they strive to find their rhythm and build momentum heading into the playoffs.
As they entered Friday’s game against the Knicks, the Clippers trailed the seventh-place Minnesota Timberwolves by two games in the win column. Closing that gap and securing a top-six seed in the Western Conference would be a significant achievement for the Clippers, allowing them to avoid the uncertainty and potential pitfalls of the play-in tournament.
The Clippers’ playoff push will depend heavily on the continued excellence of James Harden, the health and availability of Kawhi Leonard, and the contributions of the team’s supporting cast. As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Clippers will need to find a way to elevate their game and demonstrate the consistency and resilience required to compete at the highest level.
Harden’s scoring prowess is undeniable, but his ability to facilitate the offense and create opportunities for his teammates is equally crucial to the Clippers’ success. Leonard’s two-way dominance, when healthy, makes him one of the most impactful players in the league.
The Clippers’ coaching staff will need to make strategic adjustments and optimize player rotations to maximize the team’s strengths and minimize its weaknesses. The ability to adapt to different opponents and game situations will be a key factor in the Clippers’ quest for playoff success.
The Western Conference is a gauntlet of talented teams, and the Clippers will face stiff competition from a number of contenders. The Denver Nuggets, led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, remain the team to beat. The Phoenix Suns, with their star-studded lineup of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, are also a formidable threat.
The Clippers will need to bring their A-game every night and demonstrate a unwavering commitment to teamwork and execution if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs. The road ahead will be challenging, but the Clippers have the talent and experience to make some noise in the postseason.
The Clippers are hoping to avoid the play-in tournament all together. The play-in tournament includes the teams seeded from seventh to tenth place. The seventh and eighth seed play each other. The winner of that game gets the seventh seed. The loser plays the winner of the game between the ninth and tenth seed for the eighth seed. Avoiding that would give the Clippers more rest. The team is aging and more rest would benefit them greatly.
