After the game, Harden explained his viral moment.
“I have to bring some enthusiasm to the team, you know what I mean? Harden told NBA reporters, via Athleticism. “I think the last few weeks have been a fog for us. And I think every team goes through that. So I just think I’m just trying to create a good energy, a good atmosphere for this team.
“Maybe it would have been better if he made the shot, but it gives (us) something to laugh about… a little bit of excitement for us.”
The Clippers defeated the Blazers by a final score of 116-103 to improve to 43-25 on the season. LAC is in fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
“That’s what these games are for,” Harden said. “Obviously, we don’t take any opponent lightly. But tonight was a game where we were successful, especially in the second quarter, and we want to feel good about ourselves. Same thing for Friday, then the next match. So I think at this point it’s just about making sure everyone is excited and happy. And you want to see each other individually succeed on the field. This is the only way the team will work.
The Clippers have never reached the NBA Finals in franchise history. They should compete for the title this year since Harden, Leonard, Paul Georges And Russell Westbrook are four of the best players of all time.
If the regular season ended today, the Clippers would face the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. It will be fascinating to see how far LAC goes in the 2024 playoffs.
