SUMMARY
- Shaquille O'Neal believes James Harden needs to be in control of the shots for the Clippers.
- O'Neal urges Harden and Paul George to step up during the playoffs.
The addition of James Harden has been monumental for the LA Clippers this season. The 10x NBA All-Star’s presence makes them a tight competitor to play against in the playoffs. The Clippers last made a deep playoff run during the 2021-22 season. LA made the Western Conference Finals for the first time. But they were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns.
things you love to see: THIS
JAMES HARDEN ↗️ RUSSELL WESTBROOK pic.twitter.com/WzAqi9BYtw
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 5, 2024
Since then, injuries have been a major concern but that hasn’t been the case this season. Both, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have appeared for over 65 games. The Clippers have also grabbed a top-five spot at all times during this season. But they need to get a bit more serious when it comes to the playoffs. The Clippers have arguably the best roster in the entire league.
Shaquille O’Neal gets real about James Harden’s role on the Clippers
Ahead of the LA Clippers vs Denver Nuggets game, Shaquille O’Neal shared his take on James Harden’s role with the Clippers in the playoffs. He said, “I don’t wanna hear no guard talking about, ‘How can you keep me going?’ You got the damn ball. Centers can ask that question, like me and pick-and-pop guys, and guys who demand the ball. But when you’re a guard, I don’t wanna hear that.”
O’Neal added, “James Harden knows what he’s got to do to get himself [going]. This ain’t high school or AAU, where you gotta call plays. He has the ball most of the time… James Harden wanna win a championship, he gotta be a vital part of that [Clippers] offense. He has to be consistent. Him, no disrespect, and PG sometimes they disappear in the playoffs.”
“James Harden gotta get himself going. James Harden wanna win a championship, he gotta be a vital part of that [Clippers] offense. He has to be consistent. Him — no disrespect — and [Paul George] sometimes they disappear in the playoffs.”
🗣️ Shaqpic.twitter.com/O4kx3Vjj7x
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 5, 2024
There has been a lot of talk regarding Harden’s productivity on offense. Usually, James is known for being a top-notch scorer. We’ve seen the same individual average 36 points per game during the 2018-19 season. But now, he has reduced his scoring capacity to a staggering 16.7 points per game. As Shaq said, as a guard, Harden has all the power to dictate the outcome of the game.
James Harden made history during the Clippers vs Nuggets game
Even though James Harden doesn’t produce big numbers like he used to, he made history against the Nuggets. The former MVP became the fourth player to achieve 25,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, and 7,000 assists in his career. Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Oscar Robertson are the only other individuals on this list.
Elite company 👀
James Harden joins Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, and LeBron James in the 25K points, 7K assists, and 6K rebounds club. pic.twitter.com/1fH2IcjRds
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 5, 2024
LA ended up taking the victory against the Nuggets 102-100. It was an impressive game as Harden finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. George stepped up to the occasion and scored 28 points to lead the team. Harden switched back to old times with Westbrook catching lobs from him. The Clippers looked energetic as well. But it will be important to carry the same momentum in the playoffs.