Los Angeles Clippers: James Harden Drops Stern Reminder After 28-Point Explosion in Game 1 Win Vs. Mavericks

Harden turned in a vintage performance in this one, finishing with a team-high 28 points on 8-of-17 shooting, to go along with two rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and just one turnover in 39 minutes of action. The former NBA MVP caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down six triples to lead LA to a crucial Game 1 victory.

After the win, Harden dropped a stern reminder for the rest of the NBA that he is far from being a washed superstar:

“I can score with the best of them,” he said. “I still can score with the best of them. My role for this team is just to generate really good shots or making guys’ jobs easier and when my number is called, I can score the basketball.”

Harden also acknowledged that Leonard’s absence meant that he would play a more important role on offense for LA, and the 34-year-old answered the bell impressively:

“Obviously, Kawhi’s out so my playmaking, my value is going to go up a little bit more, and I took advantage of it,” Harden said.

It remains unclear when Leonard will be able to return to action as the two-time NBA champion continues to nurse a lingering knee injury. With or without Kawhi, though, there’s no denying that Harden will play an integral role for the Clippers in this series as they look to take down Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the Mavs.