Oklahoma City’s dynamic young core may have been reduced to „what ifs,“ but for James Harden, the memories are still golden. Now clad in a Los Angeles Clippers jersey, Harden is ready to take on his old team while carrying the Clippers‘ nine-game winning streak toward a potential 10-game winning streak.
Harden’s affection for Oklahoma City is obvious. „They’ll always have a special place in my heart,“ he admitted, recognizing the role Sam Presti and the team played in the start of his career. While Haden’s departure was bittersweet due to contract issues, he emphasized his „love and respect“ for the city and franchise.
Harden’s tenure in Oklahoma witnessed patience and ambition. Initially content with a lesser role, he later sought a contract that reflected his burgeoning talent. This led to his journey to Houston, where the world witnessed the dominance of „The Beard.“
However, recent years have been very different. Injuries and a decline in explosiveness have dimmed his light at the MVP level. However, a rejuvenated Harden seems to have found solace in Los Angeles. The Clippers‘ offensive game is a perfect fit for his playmaking talents, and his contributions to the Clippers‘ ongoing winning streak are unquestionable.
Can Harden and the Clippers reach the coveted 10-win milestone? Will the familiar Oklahoma air put an extra fire in his belly? An exciting collision of past and present, fueled by nostalgia and playoff aspirations, is about to unfold.