Harden: The competition in the Clippers is very fierce, we need to make an ideal start

The Los Angeles Clippers conducted daily training during training camp. After the training, the team's backcourt core James Harden was interviewed after the training, and he also talked about his current state in the interview. Harden said before the start of training camp last year that he was in his best form in years. And at this year's training camp, he said he had put in more effort than last year.

In response to this, Harden said: I did more things this summer. Because we have to make a very good start in the new season. You know, the competition in the partition we are in is really too fierce. By the end of the regular season, we hope to be able to prepare for good results in the playoffs. We must strive to achieve an ideal record during the regular season and strive to win every game. So, for us, it is very, very important to play a good start after the start of the new season. And it all starts with Kawhi Leonard and me. We both have to take on the responsibilities that core players should bear, and we have to work harder.

In the NBA regular season last season, Harden played 79 games in 82 games, averaging 35.3 minutes per game, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks, and 4.3 turnovers and 2.1 fouls, shooting percentage of 41%, three-point shooting percentage of 35.2%, and free throw shooting percentage of 87.4%. In the playoffs, Harden played 7 games in total, with averaging 39.4 minutes per game, averaging 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1 block, and 3 turnovers and 2.3 fouls, shooting percentage of 43.6%, three-point shooting percentage of 36.4%, and free throw shooting percentage of 81.8%.

Harden's overall performance last season was still good. He was able to show his abilities in all aspects in the regular season and playoffs. He is also the team's undisputed backcourt core and leader. However, Harden did have too much playing time last season, especially in the second half of the season, Harden almost had difficulty getting a rest time. His playing time in a large number of games exceeded 40 minutes, and his playing time during the playoffs has remained high. This summer, the Clippers signed Chris Paul and Harden finally had a reliable backup. With the reduction in playing time, I wonder what kind of performance Harden can perform. Can he perform more competitively and help the Clippers achieve better results?