Harden Declares Clippers Ready to Surge Back into Playoffs

UPDATE: In a stunning turnaround, James Harden has declared that the LA Clippers are poised to “come all the way back” into playoff contention after their impressive fourth consecutive victory, a 119-105 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome.

Just weeks ago, the Clippers were floundering near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, sporting a dismal record of 6-21. However, following a remarkable stretch of games, the Clippers have recorded 11 wins in their last 13 games, the best record in the NBA during that period, igniting hopes for a playoff resurgence.

“Some teams, when it gets that bad, they just let the wheels fall off,” Harden said in an interview with ESPN. His confidence is palpable as he emphasizes the importance of mindset and teamwork. “The confidence is there. The losses are frustrating, but the confidence is still there,” he added.

The Clippers now find themselves just a half-game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the final play-in tournament spot, putting them on the brink of a significant turnaround. Harden and Kawhi Leonard, both strong candidates for the upcoming All-Star Weekend from February 13-15, are driving this momentum with stellar performances. Leonard is averaging 32.7 points, while Harden is contributing 24.8 points and 7.8 assists.

“Once I see him flip the switch, it was like, ‘OK, yeah, it’s time to go.’ That’s the Kawhi we need,” Harden noted, highlighting the synergy between the two stars.

Harden’s recent accomplishments also include passing Shaquille O’Neal for ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, a milestone that resonates deeply with the Los Angeles native. “That was a surreal moment just because as a kid growing up watching Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq, it’s unreal for real,” he remarked.

The Clippers’ surge comes at a critical time, as they aim to build momentum heading into the All-Star break. With the team’s morale at a high, fans are eager to see if they can continue this positive trend and solidify their playoff position.

As for Harden’s future in Los Angeles, he dismissed any rumors of wanting to leave his hometown, stating, “Being at home, that’s like the opportunity of a lifetime for me.” His commitment to the team and city is clear as he navigates the pressures of social media chatter.

As the Clippers gear up for their next challenge, the spotlight will remain on Harden and Leonard to maintain their momentum and push the team back into playoff contention. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated – every game counts as they chip away at their early-season struggles.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Clippers continue their quest for the playoffs!