In the last game, the Clippers defeated the Trail Blazers 118-89, and according to American media statistics, this is the eighth time this season that the Clippers have won by more than 20 points. Among them, since entering 2025, the Clippers have won three games by more than 25 points. We can only say that the Clippers made a great deal, as they did not retain George during the offseason last year, which laid the foundation for the Clippers to introduce defensive strongmen. The addition of Jones and Dunn greatly increased the defensive capabilities of the Clippers' backcourt and flanks. With Van Gundy becoming an assistant coach, Tyronn Lue operates with Harden as the core.
Judging from the current situation, Harden has proven his talent. Because his teammates around him have benefited, Zubac's data broke his career-high, and Powell's scoring also set a career-high record. In January, Powell scored over 20 points in five games, including one game where he scored 30 points. Famous journalist Tim Bontemps believes that under the circumstances of George leaving and Leonard unable to play in the first half of the season, Harden is the reason why the Clippers can rank fifth in the West, and Powell's outburst also comes from Harden.
Tim Bontemps bluntly stated that Harden helped Powell attract defense, and these two complement each other's strengths and cover up their weaknesses. Powell needs someone to help him attract defense because he was originally afraid of being targeted. Harden is the perfect bait; he has been double-teamed his entire life. With Harden present, Powell's scoring environment is too good. At the same time, as Harden ages, he also needs someone to carry the ball, and Powell's firepower allows Harden to achieve his desired effect in another way.
In short, Harden is like a commander who plans strategies but also needs a general to charge into battle. Now Powell is Harden's cavalry regiment, accelerating and shooting while riding. Zubac is Harden's infantry and archer. He can protect the base camp with a large shield on the defensive end and also counterattack and injure opponents as a war chariot on the offensive end. Combined with Harden's ability to see through the opponent's defensive setup, the Clippers' tactics are very clear.
Harden and Zubac initiate offense with a pick-and-roll, Powell roams and runs without the ball, Jones opens up space, and Dunn or Leonard attack and defend as one. If healthy, the Clippers have a chance to compete for the championship this year. Moreover, both Harden and Powell were selected as one of the top 8 most impressive players in the first half of the season by ESPN's well-known journalists. Tim Bontemps believes that Powell has filled the void left by George under Harden's assistance, as Powell averages 23.4 points this season.
It is worth noting that Powell's average of 23.4 points is exactly what George achieved last season, but Powell has a higher shooting percentage. It is 50% overall shooting percentage and a high 45.2% three-point shooting percentage, averaging 3.6 makes. It can be said that there is both quantity and efficiency.
An NBA executive also said, "We knew Harden could help his teammates, but no one could have expected Powell to make such a big improvement at this stage of his career."
Barkley also recently named Powell, previously agreeing with Harden's selection to the All-Star team. As for Powell, Barkley also believes he is qualified for the All-Star team. Barkley's reasoning is that Powell's stats meet the criteria, and he played very well in the first half of the season. When Eric Gordon partnered with Harden in Houston, once Paul was injured, Gordon averaged 24 points when starting, showing All-Star level performance. This also shows that Harden has an enhancing effect on shooting guards when playing as a point guard. Regardless of whether Powell is selected for the All-Star team, because it is not just about stats and records. But at least for now, Harden has turned Powell into an All-Star, which is undeniable.