The Los Angeles Clippers have been on a roll recently, with Leonard returning and finding his best shooting form after a few games. The Clippers then went on to win by 59 points in one game and 29 points in another, totaling an 88-point margin of victory in back-to-back games, tying the NBA record for the largest winning margin. Harden, Leonard, and Powell, among other key players, were able to take it easy after playing just three quarters, with Harden excelling in passing and organization, while Leonard and Powell scored easily on offense, making it difficult for opponents to stop them. At 35 years old, averaging 21+6+8, who is the better shooting guard in history between Harden and Wade?
ESPN released Harden's statistics for this season (at 35 years old) and compared them to Wade's, asking who is the better shooting guard in history between Harden and Wade? After changing his playing style in recent years, Harden's scoring numbers have indeed dropped significantly compared to his time with the Rockets. However, Harden's current average of 21+6+8 is something that many All-Star guards can't achieve in their entire careers. This season, Harden is averaging 21.4 points + 5.8 rebounds + 8.0 assists + 1.4 steals + 0.6 blocks, with very impressive stats and team records.
It's worth noting that Harden's defensive efficiency this season is 106.6, ranking 40th in the league, which is also the best defensive level of his career. Like Westbrook, Harden has transitioned to focus on passing, organizing, assisting, and defense after his transformation. Westbrook's defense has also been excellent this season, earning him the top spot in the Nuggets' defense multiple times (DPOG chain). Westbrook, who is already 36 years old this season, is averaging 13.1 points + 5 rebounds + 6.6 assists + 1.6 steals. When Westbrook starts this season, the Nuggets have a 15-5 record, with a 75% win rate.
Although Harden has reached 35 years old this season, he can still easily score 40+ when given the opportunity. This season, Harden has twice scored over 30 points in a half and twice over 40 points in three quarters, both leading the league. This means that when Harden's shooting is on point, he can score 40 points in just three quarters, and if he plays the full four quarters, he still has the chance to drop 50+, unfortunately, opponents don't give him the opportunity to play in the fourth quarter.
At 35, Wade was averaging only 11.5 points + 3.8 rebounds + 3.4 assists + 0.9 steals. Compared to Harden at 35, there is indeed a significant difference. However, Wade has more major honors in his career: 3 championships + 1 Finals MVP + 1 All-Star MVP + 1 scoring title + 13 All-Star selections + 2 first-team All-NBA + 3 second-team All-NBA + 3 third-team All-NBA + 3 second-team All-Defensive honors. It's a pity that Wade never won a regular-season MVP, but ESPN experts believe that Wade is the third-best shooting guard in history, behind only Jordan and Kobe.
Harden currently holds the following honors: 1 regular-season MVP + 3 scoring titles + 2 assist titles + 10 All-Star selections + 6 first-team All-NBA + 1 third-team All-NBA. Although Harden's statistics at 35 are indeed better, the third-best shooting guard in history is still Wade, leading in major honors. In terms of honors, it's Wade, and in terms of ability, it's Harden. The Clippers still have a chance to compete for the championship this season with a lineup that includes Leonard, Harden, Powell, Zubac, Little Derrick Jones, Dunn, Coffey, and Little Kevin Porter, capable of both offense and defense. Can Harden and Leonard lead the team to a championship?
