At 35 years old, James Harden remains one of the most dominant figures in the NBA. He has led the Los Angeles Clippers throughout the 2024-25 season, playing a key role in keeping the team in playoff contention. In this context, the guard sent a strong message regarding the recognition he receives.
In an interview with Overtime, Harden was asked about the secret to maintaining his elite status in the NBA at his age. “Work,” he replied, before calling out those who, in his opinion, don’t pay enough attention to that: “I don’t feel like I get enough credit for the work that I put in.”
The Clippers guard elaborated on his comments. “People want to talk about everything else, that they honestly do not know about,” he said. “But honestly, the work is being put in. And if the work isn’t being put in, then these opportunities wouldn’t be happening for me.”
Showing unwavering confidence in the impact of focus and discipline, Harden continued: “Anything in life, you put the work in and the results are bound to happen. Sometimes you put the work in, and I had bad games, but more times than not, good things are gonna happen.”
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers and James Harden #1 react during a 127-117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Intuit Dome on January 25, 2025.
Harden’s drive to stay on top in the NBA
James Harden also spoke about what motivates him to continue excelling in the NBA after 16 seasons. “I really love the game of basketball. It’s gotten me to the point to where I am today,” he said. “That’s priority number one.”
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Regarding the efforts required to continue competing in the league and making an impact despite facing much younger players, he added: “Now I’m getting older, so the proper eating, sleeping, and recovery aspect is very, very important, which I’ve been on top of.”
Harden’s performance this season
With just 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Los Angeles Clippers currently hold the sixth seed in the Western Conference, which would grant them a direct playoff spot. James Harden has an impressive record of never missing the postseason throughout his career, never even needing to compete in the Play-In Tournament.
It’s clear that he doesn’t want to break that streak, and his performances on the court reflect that motivation. This season, Harden has played 69 of the 72 games for the Clippers, while also posting his highest points-per-game average in the past five years, with an impressive 22.6, ranking him 31st in the league.
SurveyIs James Harden getting the recognition he deserves in the NBA?
Is James Harden getting the recognition he deserves in the NBA?
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