James Harden, the 36-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, was sidelined due to right shoulder stiffness. He underwent warmups but was ultimately ruled out for the game against the Golden State Warriors. This marks just the third game he has missed in the current NBA season.
Impact of Harden’s Absence
Harden has been a crucial player for the Clippers, averaging 25.7 points per game. This scoring average is his highest since the 2019-20 season when he led the NBA in scoring. Additionally, he ranks seventh in the league with 8.0 assists per game, and he is tied for tenth in minutes played, averaging 35.4 per game.
Recent Performance and Responsibilities
The absence of Kawhi Leonard for 10 games due to a sprained ankle placed extra pressure on Harden. During this time, he was required to shoulder the offensive load as the team lacked a secondary scorer.
- Games Missed: 3 this season
- Points Per Game: 25.7
- Assists Per Game: 8.0 (7th in the league)
- Minutes Per Game: 35.4 (tied for 10th)
Coaching Perspective
Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the impact of fatigue on Harden, stating that his increased responsibilities during Leonard’s absence contributed to his current condition. Lue noted, “We didn’t really have a secondary scorer. He had to do a lot for us.”
As the team moves forward, the Clippers will need to navigate Harden’s absence while maintaining their performance against strong opponents like the Warriors.
