James Harden made his highly-anticipated Los Angeles Clippers debut on Monday night.
Despite his inclusion in the lineup, though – L.A. struggled. They looked bad both offensively and defensively.
Harden finished with 17 points, six assists and three bounds for the night.
The Clippers, as a whole, failed to score 100 points. They ultimately fell to the New York Knicks 111-97.
Harden addressed his big debut in a session with reporters afterwards.
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
“Unlimited possibilities,” he remarked.
“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.”
Harden wasn’t the only one to emerge from this outing optimistic. Kawhi Leonard, though he had something of a quiet showing as well, was similarly satisfied with how things went.
When pressed on whether he felt like he got lost offensively as a result of all the lineup changes that had occurred heading into Monday night, Leonard rejected the notion.
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
“No,” he replied.
“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.”
Leonard has made his reaction to the Harden acquisition explicitly clear.
Nebraska Star Jess Gardner’s Wild Bathroom Photo Sets Internet Ablaze: https://t.co/eziGtlAdDo
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 7, 2023
A lot was made of the Clippers getting Harden.
Many thought he could be the piece to put L.A. over the top as far as championship contention goes.
Will Harden ultimately be able to help get the Clippers to the promise land in 2023-24? An answer one way or the other will emerge soon enough.
Related: LeBron James’ Reaction To Cam Reddish’s Missed Lakers Game-Winner
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
