The NBA playoffs continued, and today the Clippers hosted the Mavericks, who defeated the Mavericks 109-97. On the Clippers side of this game, Leonard is still unable to play due to injury. Today, the Clippers opened up the gap very early, and Harden scored 28 points and 8 assists today, including 6 of 11 shots from beyond the three-point line. Paul George had 22 points, six rebounds and three assists, and Westbrook came off the bench with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists.
In today's game, in the absence of Leonard, Harden has obviously become the team's anchor, and most of the ball is handed over to Harden to control today. Not only did Harden hit six three-pointers on the offensive end to score 28 points, but he was also very good at playmaking. With 8 assists and only one turnover, he is a good team to connect with. On the other hand, on the Mavericks' side, Doncic and Irving are frequently caught up in individual singles. The overall style of play of the Mavericks is still relatively messy and separate. And the Clippers' style of play looks more disciplined.
This is the biggest difference between the Clippers this season and previous seasons, when the Clippers didn't have Harden, the team played like the Mavericks. Leonard, as well as Paul George, are both stuck in individual singles. However, with Harden this year, the Clippers' overall style of play is more layered, and they will use Harden's breakthrough threat to create easier shooting opportunities for the outside. When a team's style of play is more layered, the team can go further, after all, it cannot succeed by playing a team alone.
The Clippers are really the favorites to win the championship this year. The first is that they have played so well without Leonard. Just imagine how terrible the team must have been when Leonard returned. The Clippers' overall defensive ability is very strong, and they have a lot of defensive resources at the forward position, such as Paul George, Mann and Leonard are some of the best defenders in the league. In addition, they also have tall centers on the inside, and the overall lineup is very reasonable. And the depth of the rotation is outstanding. Powell is also a master of chaos.
So this Clippers team may have a situation where the east is not bright and the west is bright, maybe George doesn't feel good today or Harden doesn't feel good, but maybe Leonard will step up. Their overall offensive and defensive resources are worthy of the reassurance of many fans. The main thing is that they currently have people who can strategize. Harden will be a key factor in how far the Clippers can go, and if he can play every game like he did today, then the Clippers are really full of reverie.