Clippers' James Harden: Poor shooting in season-ending loss
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Harden finished with 16 points (5-16 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds, 13 assists, one block and two steals over 43 minutes during Friday's 114-101 loss to Dallas in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Harden was one of the players the Clippers needed to have step up with Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined, but the veteran guard didn't come through. He was particularly woeful in the final two games of the series, during which he went 7-for-28 from the field, including 1-for-13 from three-point range. He averaged 21.2 points and 8.0 assists per game in the series, but the numbers don't tell the whole story, as the Clippers needed -- and expected -- more out of him, but he couldn't deliver when called upon.
Clippers' James Harden: Limited impact in Game 5 loss
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Harden amassed seven points (2-12 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and seven assists over 33 minutes during Wednesday's 123-93 loss to the Mavericks in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Harden was a non-factor in the loss, a far cry from what he has been able to deliver thus far in the series. Both he and Paul George had off nights, much to the joy of Mavericks fans. The Clippers are now one loss away from elimination, a result that would leave the future of the current squad in some doubt. If they are to force a Game 7, Harden is going to need to rediscover his early-series form.
Clippers' James Harden: All-around outing in Game 4 win
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Harden produced 33 points (12-17 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal in 40 minutes during Sunday's 116-111 victory over Dallas in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Harden stepped up alongside teammate Paul George to lift Los Angeles to a much-needed win in Game 4 to even the series at 2-2 entering Game 5. Harden posted a team-high-tying point total while connecting on a quartet of threes in a balanced showing. Harden reached the 30-point mark for the first time of the series, also logging his highest rebound total of the postseason thus far.
Clippers' James Harden: Nears 30 points as top scorer
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Harden recorded 28 points (8-17 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 6-6 FT), two rebounds, eight assists and two blocks over 39 minutes during Sunday's 109-97 victory over the Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Harden returned for the start of the postseason after missing the Clippers' regular-season finale with a right foot inflammation and went on to lead all players in threes made and assists in a near-30-point double-double in a winning effort. Harden posted at least 28 points in six games during the regular season, adding eight or more assists in each of those outings. Sunday marked his fifth game of the year, both regular season and postseason, with six or more threes made.
Coach Tyronn Lue said Tuesday that Harden (foot) is "good to go", Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Harden missed the Clippers' regular-season finale with a right foot inflammation but should be available for Sunday's Game 1 against the Mavericks. The star guard will likely reclaim his starting spot from Xavier Moon.
