In a recent NBA regular season game, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 123-88, winning their third straight game. In this game, the Clippers played with their full starting lineup, and both Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard returned to action. The Clippers led by 11 points in the first quarter, and the gap widened to 14 points at halftime. In the third quarter, the Clippers went on a run and widened the gap to 23 points. In the fourth quarter, the Hornets gave up the game early, and coach Tyronn Lue did not send in the starting five again.
1. James Harden shines throughout the game: 31 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists
James Harden had a perfect game. In 31 minutes, he made 9 of 15 field goals (57.5%), 4 of 7 3-pointers (57.1%), and all 9 free throws, for a total of 31 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. His plus/minus rating was a whopping +36!
American media outlet LH commented after the game: “It’s amazing that Harden, who is already 35 years old and in his 16th season, can still play such an incredible performance.”
2. Recent hot form: 20+ in all eight games
In the past eight games, Harden has been very consistent, scoring more than 20 points in every game, including a highlight of 50+ points, as well as two games of 20 points and 15 assists, and five games of 20 points and 10 assists. With such statistics, it is really hard to believe that this is done by a 35-year-old veteran.
NBA Memes posted on social media, teasing, “Dads, what do you think of Harden’s performance?” They also posted a picture of Harden‘s peak stats during his time with the Rockets, hinting that the once-and-for-all “Rocket Deng” has returned to the top!
3. The numbers speak for themselves: 29 points and 10 assists per game
In the last eight games, Harden has averaged 29 points, 10 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 three-pointers, with a true shooting percentage of 65%. Under his leadership, the Clippers have a record of 6-2.
Since All-Star Weekend, Harden’s numbers have been even more impressive: 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and blocks per game, and a true shooting percentage of 58.7%. The total points created through personal scoring and assists reached 46.5 points, which is enough to prove that Harden is still one of the top stars in the league.
4. Salary comparison: the king of value for money
It is worth mentioning that Harden’s salary for this season is only $33.43 million, ranking 44th in the league. In contrast, many players are paid much more than him, such as Bradley Beal, Jamal Murray, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Zach LaVine, Fred VanVleet and Lauri Markkanen.
However, Harden’s performance far exceeds that of many of these high-paid players, and he can be considered the king of value for money.
Conclusion: Is Harden returning to his peak?
Judging from his recent hot form and statistics, Harden’s performance undoubtedly reminds people of his peak moments during his time with the Rockets. At the age of 35, he has not declined due to his age, but has instead gotten better and better, becoming the core leader of the Clippers.
So the question is: do you think Harden has returned to his peak? Feel free to discuss in the comments section!
