James Harden responds to Clippers doubters with heartfelt message ahead of the playoffs

If there’s one player who’s made an immediate impact on a franchise, it’s James Harden. Since joining the Los Angeles Clippers, he’s quickly earned the appreciation of fans, showcasing his skill on the court alongside Kawhi Leonard.

While the Clippers fell short of reaching the Conference Finals in Harden’s first season with the team, this year could be different. The way Los Angeles has honed Harden’s defensive abilities could prove to be a decisive factor in the playoffs, which the Clippers are now on the verge of securing.

With just one win separating the Clippers from a playoff spot, Harden’s performance could be the key to clinching that spot. In the game against the Houston Rockets, where he scored 35 points, Harden reflected on the game and his season with the team.

In a candid moment with the media after the game, Harden shared his thoughts on the team’s journey and the evolution they’ve experienced. “Man, it’s special. Really just giving yourself up for something bigger. Coming into this season, there were no expectations for this team. You look at the standings, and they had us predicted to be the 13th or 12th seed in the West,” Harden said, as the Clippers close in on a playoff berth.

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 in Inglewood, California.

Harden’s thoughts on joining the Clippers

After this season, the Clippers have firmly established themselves as a team to watch. With Harden now at the helm and Leonard steadily regaining his form, expectations are sky-high for the team in the next phase of the NBA season.

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Discussing the team’s preparation before the season, Harden shared his insights with the media. “Being around these guys from day one, it started in Arizona when I put the minicamp together. Then, going into training camp, I could tell we had something special. We’ve got some dogs in this locker room,” Harden said.

Harden reflects on the Clippers’ playoff opportunity

With the team on the brink of securing a top-four seed in the Western Conference, Harden expressed his excitement about the possibilities ahead in the playoffs.

“We’ve got a real chance to be a top 4-5 seed in the West and make a strong push in the postseason,” Harden remarked. He also shared how his teammates’ contributions have helped elevate his game, pushing him to improve every day.

“They’ve impacted me in a positive way. They’ve made me lock in on both ends of the floor, and really just instilled that competitive mindset in me to want to do whatever it takes to win. And that’s the beauty of being part of a team,“ Harden added.