The Clippers defeated the Trail Blazers 118-89, with Harden once again finishing his game in three quarters. Even without Leonard, Harden led the team strongly. With Harden's assistance, Zubac and Powell have indeed delivered outstanding performances. Powell is aiming for an All-Star appearance this season, while Zubac has already broken the Clippers' record in the past two games. In these two games, Zubac had a remarkable +76 plus-minus value, setting a new record for the highest plus-minus in consecutive games in Clippers history.
In other words, players like Griffin and Jordan have been overshadowed by Zubac, who has become the most formidable frontcourt player for the Clippers under Harden's guidance. This season, Zubac's statistics have skyrocketed, averaging 15 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 62%. These numbers are very close to Capela's during his time with the Rockets. Before Harden joined the Clippers, Zubac's highest scoring average was 10.2 points. Last season, despite playing intermittently, Zubac still managed to break his scoring record with 11.7 points.
This season, Harden and Zubac have developed more partner tactics, and although Zubac's scoring has slightly decreased recently, it is because Leonard's return has reduced Zubac's shot attempts. However, Harden can still ensure that Zubac averages over 14 points. Today, Zubac scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, and in the previous game against the Nets, he had 11 points and 9 rebounds. The reason for this is that the game was decided early, making it embarrassing for Zubac to continue scoring. But against the Heat, Harden fed Zubac to 21 points, and Zubac himself grabbed 20 rebounds.
Now, if Harden had joined the Clippers a few years earlier, Zubac might not have signed a 3-year, 58.6millioncontractwiththem.Instead,itcouldhavebeena4−year,100 million or a 5-year, 110milliondeal.Afterall,Capelawasabletosecurea5−year,90 million contract from the Rockets, and with the recent increase in the salary cap, Zubac getting a 5-year, $100 million contract would be as easy as drinking water. He now holds a high strategic position for the Clippers, as Zubac is the only frontline player with the weight to protect the rim and grab rebounds, capable of scoring off lobs and executing hook shots on his own.
If Capela needed Harden to feed him the ball as if chewing it up and placing it right at his mouth, Zubac has an easier time "eating the cake." His hook shot accuracy under the basket is extremely high. As long as Harden can deliver the ball in time when Zubac is in position and demanding the ball, it is enough. For Harden personally, feeding an inside player like Zubac is easier than with Capela. It is clear that if Zubac were given more tactical importance, Harden could easily boost his stats to 20 points.
Zubac only takes 10.8 shots per game, but this season, his average scoring reached as high as 18 points. Born in 1997, Zubac is just shy of 28 years old. He will celebrate his birthday in March, and he is currently at the peak of his career. The Clippers renewed his contract for another 3 years last offseason, ensuring that Zubac will be their frontline player for the next 4 years, effectively securing him at a lower cost for the Clippers. Harden's enhancement of blue-collar frontcourt players is indeed terrifying, as seen from Capela to Zhao Si Claxton, and even Sharp, who was "fed to the point of vomiting" by Harden.
Philadelphia's former player Reed also shone alongside Harden, and now it's Zubac's turn. Harden's ability to create opportunities for blue-collar frontcourt players is unprecedented. Looking at Capela in Atlanta, his scoring has never reached new heights after leaving Harden, instead, he is starving for points. The Clippers are now in a great situation, firmly holding the fifth spot in the West, just one win behind the fourth-placed Nuggets. Upcoming, the Clippers have five home games, facing the Lakers, Bulls, Celtics, Wizards, and Bucks. The Clippers started with a poor 4-game losing streak at home, but recently they have been strong at home with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses. If the Clippers can seize this opportunity, there is hope for them to enter the top half of the standings.