A month ago, James Harden joined the Clippers, and they went on a six-game losing streak and were derided as the league's "waste." However, just a month later, the Clippers have emerged as one of the most high-profile teams, with 12 consecutive wins sparking championship hopes.
"The Clippers are what we dream to be, and we're in the right place. "Harden is pleased with the Clippers' honeymoon period, and his chemistry with his new club has rejuvenated the team.
The successful counterattack of the Clippers is not accidental, but has gone through the whole process of confusion, difficult exploration, painful choices, and labor pains. From six consecutive defeats to 12 wins in 15 games, the team found a clear role through the sacrifice of many people and re-established the right direction of the team.
Harden's arrival has put head coach Lou Williams in a difficult position, but he is reluctant to show weakness. Through communication with the likes of Kerr and Spoelstra, Lou Williams has learned from the experience of dealing with super teams and made the team more solid.
Harden's tacit understanding with Wei Shao, the distribution of the ball, etc., once made the team lose direction. Lou Williams realised that the root of the problem was not just at the tactical level, but also about relationships and the psychology of the players. 'What I'm trying to do is not just make the squad work, but also make the players happy, which is the most important thing, and getting everybody involved and happy, that's the hardest part,' he said. ”
After solving the problem of role assignment and mentality, the Clippers gradually found a tacit understanding. Harden's arrival has given the team more offensive options, and he is willing to sacrifice ball and shot to become the team's point guard core. This role adjustment has led to a significant increase in the team's offensive efficiency and defensive effectiveness.
Leonard became the biggest beneficiary of the counterattack. With Harden's ball-handling playmaker, Leonard can focus more on finishing offense and improve his individual scoring efficiency. At the same time, the team's fixed rotation routine also provides players with a clearer tactical direction, making the team more stable as a whole.
Lou Williams likes to solve problems by exposing them, and this open communication style encourages teams to learn from defeats, get to the crux of the problem, and adjust accordingly. This spirit has also been used in the playoffs many times in past history.
At the moment, the Clippers are in full swing, with offensive efficiency and defensive effectiveness among the league's. The team will be confident that they will be even more unstoppable on the playoff stage.
The premise of all this is health. As the team gradually finds its form, the Clippers will have a brighter tomorrow. The clippers of the new era are writing their own legends.