Title: Clippers Struggle Continues with James Harden Era
Subtitle: Bucks Struggle Without Damian Lillard, Rockets on Fire
Date: [Current Date]
The Los Angeles Clippers’ acquisition of James Harden has not yielded the desired results so far, as the team has lost five straight games and remains winless since adding the star guard to their roster. The latest setback came in a surprising loss to the struggling Memphis Grizzlies, who are off to their worst start in over two decades. Bismack Biyombo, a relatively unknown player, played a key role in the Grizzlies’ victory, highlighting the Clippers’ struggles.
Since Harden’s arrival, the Clippers’ big four players have also seen a decline in their performances. Harden himself has averaged 13.5 points per game, along with 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists, while posting shooting splits of 47.2/36.8/100. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have also seen a dip in their numbers, both in terms of scoring and their impact on the court. Russell Westbrook’s shooting percentage has also dropped since joining the team.
The Clippers’ starting lineup, including Ivica Zubac, has struggled with a minus-19.5 net rating in just 46 minutes of play. However, it is important to note that chemistry takes time to develop, and the team is expected to improve as the season progresses.
In other news, the Portland Trail Blazers have made adjustments to their backcourt due to injuries. Rookie Scoot Henderson is expected to miss two more weeks with a bone bruise in his right ankle, while veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon could be out for multiple games with a hamstring strain. The Blazers have faced three consecutive losses and will face tough matchups against the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers in the coming days.
In the Weekend Stock Report, the Milwaukee Bucks have struggled in the absence of Damian Lillard, suffering losses to the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been carrying the team, averaging 44.5 points in those games. The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, have emerged as the hottest team in the Western Conference, winning six straight games with a plus-15.1 net rating. The Minnesota Timberwolves have also impressed with six consecutive wins and the league’s best defense.
Lastly, a notable moment occurred during the pregame show of the Dallas Mavericks’ matchup against the Clippers. Brian Dameris criticized James Harden’s history of trade requests, highlighting various incidents throughout his career. The rant gained attention, and although the tweet containing the video was deleted, it continues to circulate online.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how the Clippers will fare with James Harden and whether they can turn their fortunes around. The team’s struggles serve as a reminder that chemistry and adaptation take time, and it is too early to make definitive judgments.
Clippers Struggling with James Harden Era
The Los Angeles Clippers’ acquisition of James Harden has not gone according to plan, as the team has lost five straight games and is winless since adding the star guard to their roster. The latest defeat came at the hands of the struggling Memphis Grizzlies, who handed the Clippers a 105-101 loss. Bismack Biyombo, a relatively unknown player, led the Grizzlies to victory with 13 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
Since joining the Clippers, Harden has struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 13.5 points per game and shooting poorly from the field. The team’s other star players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, have also seen a dip in their performance since Harden’s arrival. The Clippers’ starting lineup, including Harden, has a dismal net rating of minus-19.5 in the past week.
Despite the rough start, there is hope that the Clippers will improve as the season progresses. Harden has pointed out that he missed the preseason and training camp due to his trade request, and he believes he needs a 10-game window to assess his performance. The Clippers will be looking to turn things around and secure their first win with Harden in the lineup.
Blazers Adjust Backcourt Due to Injuries
The Portland Trail Blazers have been dealing with injuries to key players, forcing them to make adjustments in their backcourt. Rookie Scoot Henderson is expected to miss two more weeks due to a bone