Kawhi Leonard, James Harden's Clippers slammed by NBA legend with absurd Harry Potter comparison

The Los Angeles Clippers have found consistency in recent weeks, stringing together 9 wins in their last 10 games and entering the season finale in position for direct playoff qualification. With James Harden and Kawhi Leonard performing at a high level, they look like a serious contender in the West. Still, one NBA legend isn’t buying into the hype—and explained why with a Harry Potter analogy.

“I love them,” said Paul Pierce about the Clippers during a conversation with Kevin Garnett on the Ticket and The Truth podcast. “They got two Hall of Famers on their team. How many teams in the West have got two Hall of Famers on a team that’s in the playoffs?”

The 2008 champion with the Boston Celtics continued listing the team’s strengths. “They got the piece, you got the coach, you got the players,” he said. “But it’s just something that feels like happens to them when the (expletive) gets crucial… We have read this book, it’s like a Harry Potter story.”

Pierce didn’t hold back. “I ain’t got no faith. I know they’ve been playing well. I’m just not optimistic about them,” he said. “They got to show me a few deep runs in the previous year for me to be like, ‘This may be the year.’ Maybe they in a new arena, maybe they can change some of the luck, but I gotta see it.”

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce.

Garnett praises the Clippers’ play

In the same conversation, Kevin Garnett made it clear he’s impressed with what Tyronn Lue’s squad has shown lately. “The Clippers ain’t really on nobody’s radar, but to me they’re playing some of the best basketball out there,” said the former Celtics center. However, he agreed with Pierce that the Clippers still need to prove themselves when it matters most: “Listen, I know, the let us down.”

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

KG also gave James Harden credit for stepping up this season, especially while Kawhi Leonard was still working his way back from knee issues. “Shout to The Beard,” Garnett added.

Charles Barkley backs the Clippers

Another NBA legend who recently weighed in on the subject is Charles Barkley. On a recent episode of Inside the NBA, he shared his view on the team’s potential. “I’m gonna say something crazy right now. The Clippers might be the second-best team in the West,” Chuck began. “I think the Clippers are the best team after the Oklahoma City Thunder.”