James Harden has explained the moment he tried to block Kawhi Leonard’s shot during the Clippers’ 116-103 win over the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Harden said he was trying to lighten the mood for his team.
“Gotta bring some excitement to this team,” he said. “I think these last few weeks has been a fog for us, I think every team goes through it.
“I think me just trying to create a good energy, create a great vibe for this team, it would have been better if he made the shot. Give us something to laugh about, some excitement for the season.”
James Harden said he was trying to lighten the mood and get the Clippers out of the fog they’ve been in lately when asked about how he closed out on a Kawhi 3-point attempt when they were up by 21. pic.twitter.com/Y9XOBeXRos
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 21, 2024
When asked if he accomplished his mission, Harden smiled and said, “Yeah, I did.”
The Clippers’ form has dipped recently, having won just five of their past 10 games and seven of their past 15.
For context, they went on a 25-5 run over a 30-game stretch earlier in the season.
It hasn’t helped that the team has been without Russell Westbrook for the past 10 games due to a hand injury that required surgery.
Despite the recent dip, LA still sits in the fourth seed with a record of 43-25. They are one game ahead of the fifth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans.
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