The Los Angeles Clippers debuted their new-look team with James Harden making his season debut against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. The Clippers’ offense looked really bad in this first game, with the team failing to score 100 points.
Harden reacted to his Clippers debut by remarking on the ‘unlimited possibilities’ playing alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook brings.
“Unlimited possibilities. We had a solid three quarters. We couldn’t really catch a rhythm offensively. We missed a lot of easy shots that we’re gonna make…”
James Harden on the potential of his pairing alongside Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook:
“Unlimited possibilities. We had a solid three quarters. We couldn’t really catch a rhythm offensively. We missed a lot of easy shots that we’re gonna make…” pic.twitter.com/rhmKZtNX0B
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 7, 2023
Harden scored 17 points with three rebounds and six assists in his debut. Funnily, 15 of those points came when Harden was without Russell Westbrook on the floor. There are a lot of growing pains that this Clippers’ squad needs to get through, especially offensively. The fit with Westbrook and Harden looked clunky in this opening game, but the only place to go from here is up, given the poor start they just had.
Let’s not forget that the Clippers went 0-5 after acquiring Russell Westbrook last March, with the team finding a great rhythm before the playoffs. They could’ve even made it past the first round if injuries didn’t handicap them, but an adjustment period is necessary when you add a player like Harden, who believes he’s a system in himself.
Kawhi Leonard Reacts To James Harden’s Debut
Kawhi Leonard ended the night with 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists in a very underwhelming performance. Given the fact that he’s the de-facto ‘leader’ of this team on the court, they need much better performances from the two-time Finals MVP.
He was asked if he got lost in the offensive shuffle with Harden debuting, something that Leonard wholeheartedly denied.
“No. It’s gonna be like that. We have guys that can score the ball. Won’t be the only one. I just gotta be ready when my opportunity comes.”
Kawhi Leonard was asked if he got lost offensively in the newness of having James Harden.
Kawhi: “No. It’s gonna be like that. We have guys that can score the ball. Won’t be the only one. I just gotta be ready when my opportunity comes.” pic.twitter.com/0zm4Dy7ew6
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 7, 2023
Leonard will shoulder most of the defensive load in the starting five, with Paul George also being important on that front. But just because they have a high-usage backcourt, that doesn’t mean that their offensive output needs to drop drastically. Coach Tyronn Lue will be hard at work trying to figure out how to make all these pieces fit in the same starting five.
Paul George Thinks The Clippers Will Figure It Out
The adjustment to adding a player like Harden isn’t easy, but everyone was caught off-guard by how disconnected the Clippers looked offensively in this game. Despite that, Paul George claims to have had a lot of fun playing alongside the Clippers big four. He reiterated his optimism for the future of this quartet.
“We’ll figure it out. First game. A lot of moving pieces. But it was fun, honestly. Being on the court playing with those guys tonight… A lot of optimism going forward.”
Paul George on the Clippers’ first game with James Harden:
“We’ll figure it out. First game. A lot of moving pieces. But it was fun, honestly. Being on the court playing with those guys tonight… A lot of optimism going forward.” pic.twitter.com/SlDaDzhx20
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 7, 2023
George ended the game with 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals on 2/11 shooting, adding to the list of disappointing showings from this game. The hype was through the roof but it’s safe to say that fans have been left underwhelmed.
Overreacting to one game is not going to yield any benefit for any of the parties involved. The best that these players and the Clippers can do is go back to the drawing board and find an offensive system that can highlight the strengths of all the players.
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