It seems that Tyronn Lue, head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, isn’t fazed by the absence of key players like Kawhi Leonard and Mo Bamba. James Harden and Ivica Zubac have stepped up to lead the squad, guiding them to a victory over the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry on the court in Game 3 of the NBA regular season.
Harden’s leadership has made the team more cohesive, with their defense showing significant improvement. The Clippers now rank third in defensive performance, and the players appear to be in excellent form. Zubac made a substantial impact in the game against the Warriors, grabbing 18 rebounds and scoring 23 points.
When asked about the long-standing rivalry with Curry, which dates back to the 2009 NBA Draft, Harden shared his thoughts: “It happened fast. Just the prime of that Rockets situation going up against that dynasty was just like real… I had to really go up against a real dynasty.”
At the time, Harden was a third overall pick playing for the Thunder, while Curry was beginning his journey to greatness with the Warriors: “It’s special. I’m overly excited and proud of what he’s accomplished in his career.”
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets guards Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California.
Harden’s thoughts on the rivalry with Curry
Harden reflected on the long-standing rivalry with Curry, one that has evolved over the years. Their numerous matchups with different teams have become a significant part of their legacies.
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“It’s one of those things and stories we can talk about when we get older and retire,” Harden said. After starting with the Oklahoma City Thunder, it was during his time with the Houston Rockets that this rivalry truly took shape.
Harden on the strong start with the Clippers
With three games in, the Clippers are finding their stride and emerging as strong contenders in this NBA season. Their focus on both defense and offensive execution is paying off. “I think a huge part of my job is getting into the paint and creating a domino effect, but it’s important for all of us to do that,” Harden explained.
He continued, “After getting into the paint, we generate really good shots. If we have a chance to grab an offensive rebound, we do it, but if not, we quickly get back into transition, set up our half-court defense, and go again.“
Harden also emphasized that the team’s focus remains internal, regardless of external opinions: “We focus on what’s going on in this locker room, in our organization. It’s not our job to worry about what others think. Our job is to go out there, play hard for each other, play well, and try to win games together.“
