Harden Sees Playoff Path for Struggling Clippers

James Harden spoke out after a recent win, saying the Los Angeles Clippers can pull themselves out of an early-season slump and fight for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The guard made his comments following a 117-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, as the team holds a 16-23 record after 39 games, eight and a half games behind a playoff position.

Background

The Clippers started the 2025-26 season with high hopes after finishing fifth in the West last year and reaching the playoffs. They brought back core players like Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and others, aiming to build on their success. But things went wrong early. Injuries hit hard, and the team lost more games than they won right from the start. By mid-January, they sat near the bottom of the Pacific Division, with teams like the Lakers and Suns pulling ahead.

Harden joined the Clippers in 2023 after stints with the Nets and 76ers. He averaged strong numbers last season, helping the team in the postseason. This year, though, the Clippers have struggled to find rhythm. They sit at .410 winning percentage, trailing the eighth seed. Recent games show signs of life, with three straight wins, including Harden's big night against Charlotte where he scored 32 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished 10 assists, and added four steals in 38 minutes.

Leonard has been steady, leading the team in scoring at 28.1 points per game. But the overall record tells a different story. The Clippers have played 39 games, with Harden logging heavy minutes at 35.5 per game on average. Fans and analysts have questioned if the team can recover from such a deep hole.

Key Details

Harden has put up solid stats this season despite the losses. He averages 25.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over 35 games. In advanced stats, he ranks 16th in points at 25.8, sixth in assists at 8.0, but his field goal percentage sits at 42.9 percent, lower than expected. Against Charlotte, he shot 11 of 28 from the field, 3 of 11 from three, and went 7 of 8 from the line. That game marked his ninth double-double of the year.

Recent Performance

The win over Charlotte came after a loss to the Pistons, where Harden had a quieter night. Before that, he topped 29 points only once in six games. Still, in the victory, he passed Shaquille O'Neal on the NBA's all-time scoring list with a three-pointer in the third quarter, moving to ninth place. Together with Leonard's 35 points, they scored 67 of the team's 117.

Harden's play has been key in recent wins. Videos from games show him driving to the basket, hitting threes, and setting up teammates like Ivica Zubac. In one sequence, he euro-stepped, kicked out for a foul, and created chances for others. The Clippers' offense runs through him and Leonard, with Harden often facing double-teams but still producing.

The team has shown fight lately. Their three-game win streak includes tough battles where Harden stepped up in the fourth quarter. He has hit clutch threes and drawn fouls for four-point plays. Teammates like Caleb Martin and Zubac have contributed, with Martin finishing strong off Harden passes.

"Surging Clips 'can come all the way back'" – James Harden

Harden dismissed talk that the struggles might push him out of Los Angeles. He believes in the group and the system under coach Ty Lue. Last season, the Clippers had home-court edge in playoffs, and Harden wants to recreate that.

What This Means

A playoff push would require the Clippers to win most remaining games. With about 43 games left, they need to climb eight and a half games while hoping teams ahead falter. The West stays tight, with the Lakers at 24-14 and Suns at 24-16. Golden State sits at 22-19, three and a half back.

Harden's stats suggest he can carry them. His assists rank high, showing he makes others better. If Leonard stays healthy and shooters like Norman Powell heat up, the Clippers could string wins together. Recent form with three in a row points to momentum.

Rivals like the Nuggets loom large, as they did last playoffs. The Clippers face similar tests ahead. Harden's scoring milestone adds motivation. He plays heavy minutes, around 35 per game, which could wear on him but also keeps him sharp.

For the franchise, missing playoffs again hurts after big offseason moves. Fans expect contention with Harden and Leonard. A turnaround keeps hope alive for a deep run. The next games against division foes will test if Harden's words hold weight.

The Clippers play next against a Western Conference team, giving a chance to build on the streak. Harden's leadership on and off court shapes the path forward. His belief sets the tone for a team fighting to salvage the season.