Los Angeles Clippers had a great pre-season and to some critics, they should be viewed as dark horses in the Western Conference. They also had quality acquisitions. Fast forward to the real season, they are still trying to find their footing and to star James Harden, that pre-season is just a shell of what they should be.
Clippers managed to get back up after a disastrous start when they dropped their first game against the Utah Jazz. However, their next two wins were just games they were supposed to win. They came up short when they met the Golden State Warriors and then let the Miami Heat take one from them.
The real test was when they met the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder. They failed it miserably as they did not have an answer against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe.
Harden thinks they still could not find the right mix of players on the court.
James Harden, on the things the team needs to work on and fix: “Lineups, rotations, and figuring out who fits well with who. We’re a fairly new team, so it’s not even about the Thunder. It’s about us.” pic.twitter.com/3DSSUTBWkj
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) November 5, 2025
The Thunder extended their clean record to 8-0 with the win while Clippers fell to 3-4.
James Harden’s hot start spoiled
Harden looked like he was about to have a major explosion as he started the game hot, scoring 17 points on four out of 5 shooting from the three point line in the first quarter.
They managed to keep the game close until the third quarter happened when they allowed a 17-0 run by their visitors in the third quarter when Harden sat out.
Chemistry between the starting unit is what Harden point to as the problem. Injury is another issue they will have to deal with as both Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal were both out of the Thunder game. Good thing for them, it’s a long season.
Next up for them are two games against the Phoenix Suns who they already beat on October 24.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
