The Clippers' James Harden has proven his value in the playoffs, stepping up in the absence of Kawhi Leonard with impressive stats and contributions, silencing early critics.

By the Numbers
  • Harden leads the team in postseason scoring with 26.0 PPG.
  • He maintains a shooting line of .541/.500/.913.
  • Harden also leads the team with 1.3 blocks per game.
Yes, But

Despite initial doubts about Harden, his performance has been crucial for the Clippers' playoff success.

State of Play
  • Kawhi Leonard's uncertain availability adds pressure on the Clippers in the current series.
  • D'Angelo Russell of the Lakers is experiencing ups and downs in the first-round series against Denver.
  • Kings' Kevin Huerter faced a challenging season but is recovering well ahead of schedule from a shoulder injury.
What's Next

The Clippers will assess Harden's future in the upcoming offseason as he approaches unrestricted free agency.

Bottom Line

James Harden's playoff performance demonstrates his vital role for the Clippers, potentially influencing his future with the team as free agency approaches.