Harden is not iron-clad.
In Game 5 of the Clippers' seven-game streak, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons 136-125.
The Detroit Pistons are the "weak chickens" in the eyes of fans, and they still fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. But Harden's performance in this "knife kills" game, the whole game looked out of shape. His offensive efficiency was a mess, and he didn't find the shooting touch at all, shooting 1-of-10 from the field, 0-of-5 from three-point range, and only made 2 free throws to score 4 points from the field.
In addition to offense, Harden's performance in defense, passing, and organization is also declining across the board compared to before, with only 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. This only says a lot about the fact that Harden is really tired.
So far this season, Harden has played a total of 42 NBA regular season appearances for the team, averaging 34 minutes per game1 minute, the average data per game is 169 points 49 rebounds and 85 assists 12 steals 09 blocks and 44 percent from the field4% and 40 three-point shooting5% and 87 free throw percentage7%。
To be sure, such numbers aren't very impressive, and it's understandable that they weren't selected as All-Stars. But with Harden's ability, if you want to be a "data brush", the data is definitely much more beautiful. It's a pity that Harden is not here, his goal at this stage is much more ambitious, only to win the championship, and everything else is floating clouds.
Besides, Harden is 35 years old, he doesn't stop a game, his old arms and legs, and his body is really not as good as another James, and it is understandable to occasionally pull a few games. But Harden's role is too important, and the Clippers are reluctant to let Harden rest.
Although Harden doesn't shoot much, his offensive efficiency is very stable, and his performance in terms of organization and tandem is even more unique in the league. Harden quickly became the brains of the team after landing on the Clippers, and his playing time has always been high, and he can even be said to be the only irreplaceable soul of the Clippers team.
Other players will be rested in rotation, and the Clippers will only derail in a certain link, with limited impact; But if Harden isn't on the court, the entire Clippers' offensive system will create a huge mess.
That's how important it is to be a system player.
Truth be told, apart from Harden, there is no longer a player in the league who is willing to sacrifice his own ball, wholeheartedly assist others, an MVP-level playmaker, and a former scoring champion.
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