The Clippers have finally triumphed over a true contender, and with their star player returning, big things could be ahead. Today, they defeated the third seed in the West, winning two out of three on a tough road trip. Many expected a losing record, with predictions of either a 0-3 or 1-2 result.
The Grizzlies, on a six-game winning streak, have been strong on both ends, ranking fourth in both offense and defense. With Carter soon returning, there’s much to look forward to for the Clippers. Paul George made the right move. With George gone, it freed up significant ball-handling duties, and Kawhi Leonard seized the opportunity. The Grizzlies' lineup gives Harden incredible support, with players like Bain and Aldama, who can consistently knock down threes.
张开剩余84%Let’s look at Harden’s performance in the final moments—his ability to take over was exceptional! In the fourth quarter, Harden hit two threes and followed up with two floaters, scoring seven points in quick succession. When trapped at the end, Harden made the smart play by passing for an assist, and he also forced Jaren Jackson Jr. out of bounds in the final seconds. When you can’t hold onto your peak form, sometimes you have to find your way back.
Some say Harden played excellently today, especially when comparing him to Chris Paul. People often mention the 2018 Western Conference Finals, where the Rockets’ strategy was for Harden to lead the team in the first three quarters, and then let Paul finish games in the fourth. This approach capitalized on Harden carrying the team during regulation and then letting Paul’s clutch abilities shine in the closing minutes.
But then, some critics argue that it was Paul’s late-game scoring that made him the Rockets' true leader. They forget that in Game 4, it was Harden who dominated the game with a well-rounded performance, while Paul contributed with a few key shots in the final minutes. In Game 5, Harden led the team to an even score at halftime despite Paul’s cold shooting, and it was Paul’s clutch plays in the second half that won the game, making him the hero.
Meanwhile, Harden is often unfairly criticized as underperforming. The reality is that in any high-scoring game,2022年AG百家乐假不假 it's the collective effort that counts. We can’t just focus on the final moments and disregard everything else. Harden’s performance in this game, though somewhat quiet early on, was crucial in the final stretch when he made key plays. In the fourth quarter, Harden’s scoring forced the Grizzlies to alter their defensive strategy, opening up opportunities for the Clippers’ offense. The Grizzlies even let Harden bring the ball up court, absorbing contact in isolation, shouldering the responsibility as the game progressed. (It’s bizarre that the Grizzlies didn’t commit a foul for nearly 11 minutes in the fourth.)
Harden’s passing was also outstanding, with the entire pressure of the game on his shoulders. I watched the game, and the Clippers should definitely continue to improve their ball-handling situation. After the game in Philadelphia, I noticed how well Harden was being defended. Powell, on the other hand, was on fire today, but what happens if his shot isn’t falling? Should the team just give up?
The Clippers are reportedly interested in adding Clarkson and Sexton, aiming to improve their ball-handling and three-point shooting. As for the center position, the team might look to players like Sharp from the Nets. A team with Harden eventually becomes too dependent on him. Without Harden, it’s a free-for-all; everyone grabs the ball and does their thing. When the Clippers had PG13, that’s exactly how they played, and it worked. If you’re expecting a full 48 minutes of top-tier ball handling, you’re dreaming—remember, the 2018 Rockets broke up six years ago.
This game was definitely a playoff-level contest, with both teams playing with intense energy. Dunn, Jones, Coffey, and Porter all showcased solid defense, proving they can step up when the stakes are high. Powell’s game-winning jumper was one of the best moments I’ve seen this Decemberag百家乐网址入口, despite some questionable officiating. Still, the Clippers’ resilience was commendable—every time they were called for a foul, they just kept defending hard. This team victory deserves recognition, and a change for Bamba might be on the horizon.
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