Unusual Scene Unfolds
In today’s game between the Clippers and the Trail Blazers, a peculiar incident took place as James Harden passed the ball to Kawhi Leonard in the corner only to proceed to defend his own teammate, resulting in Leonard missing the shot.
Clippers’ Dominance and Harden’s Move
The Clippers surged ahead with a 14-3 run in the second quarter, maintaining a commanding lead over the Trail Blazers. Despite leading by 21 points halfway through the third quarter, Harden’s unexpected defensive move left Leonard perplexed. Nevertheless, the Clippers managed to secure an offensive rebound and subsequently scored with a three-pointer from Amir Coffey.
Victory and Injury Concerns
The Clippers ultimately triumphed over the Trail Blazers with a final score of 116-103. However, the win came with the downside of Kawhi Leonard suffering another wrist injury. Harden contributed 19 points and 14 assists, while Paul George added 27 points and 6 rebounds. Leonard played for 28 minutes and scored 24 points. On the Trail Blazers’ side, rookie guard Scoot Henderson scored 18 points, while Deandre Ayton managed 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Coach Lue’s Praise and Curious Incident
Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue commended his players for their ability to extend the lead during the game, emphasizing their professionalism even when facing opposition attempts to disrupt their momentum. Regarding Harden’s peculiar defensive action, Lue mentioned that he was unaware of it during the game and only noticed it afterward.
Spying? Harden Explains “Guarding His Own” and a Past Similar Incident with LeBron
After the Clippers’ victory against the Trail Blazers, James Harden clarified the reason behind his defensive interference on Kawhi Leonard. He explained that he was trying to uplift the team’s spirits amidst a recent slump, aiming to create a positive atmosphere. Interestingly, this move mirrored a past incident involving LeBron James, who jokingly attempted to block a shot by his teammate Rajon Rondo during a game against the Hawks in 2019. According to CBS Sports, LeBron’s action was also in good spirits, given the Lakers’ exceptional record at the time.
Team Improvement and Playoff Race
The Clippers, with today’s win, improved their record to 43 wins and 25 losses, securing the fourth position in the Western Conference. However, they remain just one game ahead of the fifth-placed Pelicans, indicating a tight race as the playoffs draw near.(SMBET)