The Los Angeles Clippers will be represented at the NBA All-Star game once again, this time with James Harden making it as a reserve, breaking a two-year streak without making the All-Star game. Harden has played a crucial role in keeping the Clippers competitive despite missing Kawhi Leonard for most of the season and losing Paul George in the summer.
Another reason behind the Clippers’ success is Norman Powell. Unfortunately, Powell wasn’t named as an All-Star while Harden was. This led to the 35-year-old guard sending Powell a message after the reserves were announced to recognize his contributions.
“Norm has had an unbelievable year. I actually sent him a message after the reserves came out like, I told him that, ‘What you’ve been doing, I’m just happy to be a part of it.’ You know what I mean? Keep that same swagger because you’re a huge part of our success, what we’re doing, and where we’re trying to go.”
Harden also mentioned Ivica Zubac in the midst of a breakout season as well.
“Zu, 20 and 20s.Improvement. Even when the stat sheet don’t have 20-20, he still impacts the game at such a high level, so I’m just proud of both of those guys and the year they’re having.”
James Harden texted Norman Powell as soon as the All-Star reserves came out. Leadership. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/NAWYMDlQIr
— Lauren Rosen (@LaurenMRosen) January 31, 2025
Powell is averaging 24.1 points this season, leading the Clippers in scoring and effortlessly taking on the role Paul George enjoyed in the team’s offense last season. Zubac is averaging 15.2 points and 12.8 rebounds as the center, upping his impact with a point guard like Harden feeding him the ball and keeping him engaged.
Powell could make his way into the team as an All-Star reserve but will have to battle with the likes of Devin Booker, Domantas Sabonis, and Kyrie Irving for the spot with those notable names also being snubbed.
The Clippers swingman has had an excellent season but it still doesn’t seem to be enough to elevate him into the All-Star category, which will sting. However, it could serve as motivation for Powell for the rest of the season.
James Harden Deserved His Call-Up
Harden reacted to his selection by revealing how he found out and how happy he is to have achieved this feat for himself and the franchise.
“I was actually in the room on the phone, and then it started going crazy with text messages. Once I realized what had happened, I was excited. I was excited for myself and this organization. A lot of changes have happened in the past year, so to be able to represent this team is a good feeling.”
“We help each other be successful individually. When we all play well, we’ve got a very good chance of winning games.”
Harden is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists. He’s the true reason behind the Clippers’ success, as his expert point guard play has enabled the leaps both Powell and Zubac have taken this season.
He is their offensive fulcrum and has excelled as the sole playmaker on a roster of complementary players, continuing to impact the game even after Kawhi Leonard returned from injury. If the former MVP continues playing at this level, the Clippers will be a scary Playoff opponent.
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