James Harden reflected on his Los Angeles Clippers debut in a 104-98 loss against the New York Knicks. The former MVP finished the game with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists in 31 minutes of play.
Harden acknowledged the difficulties of acclimating to the team without the benefit of a proper training camp or any preseason games, admitting that the lack of preparation made it challenging for him to find his rhythm on the court.
In a post-game interview, Harden expressed his discomfort, stating, “Felt kind of weird out there,” emphasizing the absence of an opportunity to fully participate in training camp or preseason activities, leaving him to rely solely on his basketball instincts and experience to navigate the game.
“Just not really having a preseason game or an opportunity to participate in the full training camp or none of that. It was just out there, just basically winging it,” he said.
“Tried to go off my basketball instincts and what I’ve been doing for the last few years or whatnot. Was just going out there and playing and thinking the game and try to make the game easier for everybody else.”
When asked about his experience playing alongside star players such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook, Harden expressed optimism, highlighting the unlimited potential the team possesses while acknowledging the need for improvement in offensive consistency and rhythm, particularly in the crucial fourth quarter of the game.
“Felt good. Unlimited possibilities,” Harden said. “I think for us we had solid three quarters, couldn’t really catch a rhythm offensively. We missed a lot of easy shots that we’re going to make going forward. This game came down in one quarter, that fourth quarter. We gave them opportunities, turnovers and offensive rebounds. That’s simple.”
