In the NBA regular season on January 17, 2025, the Clippers faced a back-to-back challenge and defeated the Trail Blazers with an overwhelming advantage on the road, successfully securing their third consecutive victory. In the absence of team leader Leonard, Harden took on the responsibility of leading the team to victory.
During the game, Harden played for 29 minutes and completed his scoring task within three quarters. He made 7 out of 16 shots, including 1 out of 8 three-pointers, and maintained a perfect 100% free throw rate with 4 out of 4 attempts. Ultimately, he contributed 19 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal, despite having 3 turnovers, his plus-minus was as high as +13, showing a very eye-catching performance.
In the first quarter, Harden was in hot form, except for missing 4 three-point attempts, he stood out in mid-range shooting and attacking the basket, scoring 12 points and dishing out 2 assists in a single quarter. However, in the second quarter, his shooting touch dropped, with a poor performance of 0 out of 3 shots, failing to contribute any points for the team. However, by the third quarter, Harden's state quickly recovered. After sinking his first three-pointer from beyond the arc, he continued to aggressively attack the basket multiple times, one of which was completed with a one-handed dunk during a fast break, marking his third dunk of the season.
Due to the Clippers already establishing a significant lead, Harden did not re-enter the game in the final quarter, and his personal score was set at 19 points. Regrettably, Harden failed to surpass the legendary star "Big O" Oscar Robertson in this game. His career total score reached 26,700 points, just 10 points short of Robertson's 14th place in history. We look forward to him writing a new chapter in the next game.
According to the schedule, the Clippers will face their old rivals, the Lakers, at home on January 20. Will Harden be able to lead the team to victory in the Los Angeles derby? Let's wait and see!