The Clippers defeated the Wizards on Feb. 1. They looked powerless against the Cavaliers, who had won 10 of their last 11 games in their last game, only Kawhi Leonard could play, George was in a slump due to injury, Westbrook couldn't help it, and Harden had the biggest responsibility, he was too stretched. But Harden quickly adjusted, and the opponent was also weak, which allowed Harden to play 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals, and a plus/minus of +20.
After the game, Harden was interviewed and he said that no matter who the Clippers face, they will have the right style of play and a positive mentality. Harden put it this way: "No matter who our opponent is, we have the right way to play and a good mentality, and that's how the Clippers play. Because we really have the means to do it really well, chemistry and team communication are the most important things.
The Clippers are indeed getting more stable and stronger. Originally, they faced the Cavaliers and could enter the top two in the West as long as they won, but they lost and fell to fourth in the West. However, the top four wins in the West were about the same, the Clippers won, and the Thunder defeated the Nuggets on the same day, so the Clippers once again surpassed the Nuggets and ranked third in the West.
The Clippers now have a 31-15 record, and they have finished all of their schedule throughout January, with a 12-3 record this month, and a 23-5 record from December 2023 to January 2024. Among the Clippers' Big Four, Leonard is undoubtedly the team leader with the most consistent scoring, while Harden determines the ceiling of the Clippers' system.