DE LA LUZ — Since acquiring James Harden, the LA Clippers have lost every game; coach Ty Lue is adamant about what he expects from his new player.
Lue remarked, “He’s being too polite.”
Sunday at Crypto.com Arena, in Harden’s first home game with his new team in front of his hometown supporters, the Clippers lost 105-101 to the Memphis Grizzlies, their fifth straight loss.
Lue remarked, “He’s being too polite.”
With 26 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, George led the Clippers. Harden scored 11 points despite missing six of his seven 3-point attempts, while Leonard only managed to score 14 points and was held scoreless in the fourth quarter. Westbrook finished with nine rebounds, five assists, and 12 points.
Lue remarked, “He’s being too polite.”
“I think he’s doing too much to try to fit in,” Lue stated. So that’s my fault. We had a team discussion just yesterday, and James Harden was the only person who could come up. For the past two or three years, he has led the league in assists. He also makes plays and excels in the pick and roll. He’s amazing. Therefore, we must let him be who he is.
“I believe that after hearing that and realizing that, everyone in the group realized that James would be playing through us, running pick and rolls and making plays. They were aware of that. Thus, merely permitting the assembly to hear that in front of James. Now that PG, Kawhi, and Russ have been here, I understand that he doesn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, even though he feels more at ease now. However, James must remain James, so it is my responsibility to see to it that he does.”
Harden has not yet been able to establish a routine with the Clippers because he has not participated in a training camp or preseason. Harden has averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his last four games.
With 3:09 remaining, the Clippers (3-6) overcame a 15-point deficit to take a 95-93 lead in the third quarter. With the help of George, Westbrook, Terance Mann, Norman Powell (20 points), and Leonard, they were able to rally. With 1:55 left in the game and the Clippers trailing by 3, Harden—who was minus-28 for the contest—checked back in and nailed a corner three to tie the score.
However, Leonard missed on a contested drive despite not scoring in the fourth. With 36.9 seconds left, Harden missed a corner three that would have tied the score again, and with 33.1 seconds left, Leonard missed an 11-foot fadeaway, allowing Memphis (2-8) to win the game from the free-throw line.
Leonard stated, “Just figuring each other out.” It doesn’t work like magic. Simply attempting to play and work out each other.”
Harden claimed to know what Lue is asking of him.
“It’s going to be more aggressive,” Harden declared. “Not just shooting, but just attacking and getting into paint and making the right basketball plays.”
When Harden and the Clippers head to Denver on Tuesday night to take on Nikola Jokic and the reigning champions, it doesn’t get any easier.
“We all have been supportive and we absolutely want James to be himself,” said George. “I believe that when a trade like that is made, James should come over and offer the same kind of service that he has throughout his entire career.
We are aware of his skill and effectiveness, and we love the new dynamic he creates with his pick-and-roll, playmaking, and catch-and-shoot moves.”We desire James to be authentic. James is accustomed to controlling the ball, planning offensive plays, and breaking plays down every possession. He’s working through it, but I’m sure it’s difficult when it’s not every possession. Everybody is dealing with something, and all we’re doing is attempting to figure out how to be authentic when the right opportunities arise.”
LeBron James of the Lakers will miss his season opener due to a calf contusion.
Due to a left calf contusion, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will miss Sunday’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the team has announced.
For James, 38, it’s the first game he has missed this season.
He sustained the injury during Friday’s 122-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns in an in-season tournament. James drove to the basket with 4:22 remaining in the first quarter when he unintentionally took a blow to his left shin from Kevin Durant’s knee. James collected himself on the baseline and was attended to on the bench.
James told reporters that his shin hurt after the game, and he was observed to be limping a little. James was originally listed as questionable for Sunday’s game by the Lakers (4-5), but they downgraded him hours before tipoff.
In his 21st NBA season, James is averaging a team-high 25.2 points per game, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
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