At 4-9, the LA Clippers are struggling to find their footing this season, sitting 11th in the Western Conference. They’ve lost eight of their last ten games, including Sunday’s narrow 121-118 defeat in Boston.
Injuries have hit the team hard, but James Harden has been a constant presence, playing in 12 of their 13 games so far.
Against the Celtics, Harden put on a show. The veteran guard poured in 37 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists in a valiant effort that ultimately fell short.
What’s really impressive? At 36 years old, Harden just made NBA history.
He became only the fourth player age 36 or older to record back-to-back games with at least 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. The only other players to accomplish this feat are LeBron James (who’s done it five times), Kevin Durant (twice), and Steph Curry.
Injuries Taking a Toll
The Clippers’ rough start to 2025-26 comes down to two things: injuries and an aging roster.
Last week brought devastating news when Bradley Beal suffered a left hip fracture requiring season-ending surgery. Beal had started six games for LA before the injury.
Making matters worse, Kawhi Leonard is sidelined with both a right foot sprain and ankle injury. Not exactly what you want just 13 games into a season.
With Leonard out, Harden has been forced to shoulder an enormous offensive burden.
Harden’s 26.0 points per game ranks 16th in the league. The next closest Clipper? Center Ivica Zubac with just 16.2 points per game.
That’s a massive gap.
The team simply can’t survive with Harden needing to drop 25-30 points every night. It’s not sustainable basketball, especially for a player in his mid-30s.
Los Angeles desperately needs Leonard back on the court. In his six starts this season, Kawhi was averaging a solid 24.3 points per game before getting hurt.
The Beard Keeps Cooking
Despite the team’s struggles, Harden has been turning back the clock lately.
Sunday’s performance against Boston was just the latest example. His 37-point outburst came right after he posted 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in the previous game.
That’s back-to-back games with 35+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists – at age 36!
The 11-time All-Star is doing everything he can to keep the Clippers competitive, but one man can only do so much.
Los Angeles desperately needs another consistent 20+ point scorer. Leonard could fill that void, but his return timeline remains unclear as he deals with multiple injuries.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Clippers, either. They face the second game of a back-to-back Monday night in Philadelphia against the 76ers.
Can Harden lead his team to a win against his former squad? The way he’s playing right now, you can’t count him out – even if the odds are stacked against the struggling Clippers.
