James Harden’s unorthodox move during the Clippers’ game against the Trail Blazers certainly raised eyebrows. Instead of facilitating an easy shot for Kawhi Leonard, Harden opted to make the attempt more challenging by contesting it himself, albeit in a somewhat comical manner.
Harden’s explanation for his unconventional play was centered around injecting energy and excitement into the team. He acknowledged that the Clippers had been going through a rough patch recently and saw this as an opportunity to lighten the mood and lift spirits.
While the outcome may not have been what he intended, with Leonard missing the shot, Harden’s intentions were clear: to bring some levity and fun to the game. In a season filled with ups and downs, moments like these can serve as reminders of the camaraderie and chemistry within the team.
Ultimately, Harden’s actions may have been unorthodox, but they were driven by a desire to foster positivity and unity among his teammates. Whether it resulted in a made shot or not, Harden’s willingness to go the extra mile to create a memorable moment speaks volumes about his leadership and commitment to team morale.
The Clippers found themselves in need of a momentum shift as they entered Wednesday’s game amidst a less-than-stellar stretch, posting an 8-10 record in their past 18 outings. After showcasing early-season promise and vying for the top seed in the Western Conference during December and January, they now face the prospect of sliding down to fifth place.
Instances like James’ playful attempt to block Rondo’s layup in 2019 typically arise from teams enjoying a more comfortable position.
In contrast to James’ lighthearted maneuver, which occurred during a time of Lakers dominance with a significant lead, Harden’s recent block attempt came amid a 21-point lead against a struggling opponent. While the intent was to inject some fun into the game for his teammates, the margin for error in the modern NBA, even with such a lead, remains narrow.
Harden himself acknowledged post-game that he aimed to provide an enjoyable moment, but the Clippers’ recent history, including a recent 21-point lead squandered against the Lakers, highlights the fragility of large leads in today’s game.
While such antics can add levity, they’re better suited for moments when victory feels more assured, especially for a team going through a challenging phase of its season.
