The Clippers reversed the Rockets on March 7, and Harden's stats were: 39 minutes, 6-of-13, 1-of-5 three-pointers, 8-of-8 free throws, 21 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. This game is played in Houston, the home of the Rockets, and that's where Harden has risen, so he has a huge affection here. Before and after the game, the staff at the Rockets' home court paid tribute to Harden.
Harden also posted after the game, saying that he is forever grateful to Houston. Harden wrote: You know what it's like to come to Houston, and I'm forever grateful to Houston. But I'm going home now. Harden also specially wore red and yellow tomato scrambled egg color sneakers, which are exclusive colors for the Rockets, as a way to express his feelings for the Rockets. After the game, Harden even put on a Rockets towel.
In the interview, Harden still talked about the game itself. He said that the Clippers wanted to play well from the beginning, but it took time to adjust to the situation, and it took the second half to complete the task. Then Harden talked about the logic of his play, saying that he plays thinking about what works, what doesn't, and how the team needs to change to improve. Harden said he found something in the second half that didn't work in the first half, so the Clippers kept attacking in the second half, more aggressive, tougher.
However, for the Clippers, they are still not out of the predicament of inconsistent form after the All-Star break. They need to win more games and win more high-end games to put the title race on the agenda.