James Harden also known as “The Beard” is regarded as one of the greatest scorers and shooting guards in NBA history. But after his Clippers debut, he found himself in a bit of a pickle. Harden made his Clippers debut on November 7 against the New York Nicks though he had a decent performance in the game finishing with 17 points and 6 assists in 31 minutes as the Clippers lost 111-97.
It was just the start of their problems as it was the start of their 5 match-losing streak. They went on to lose against the Nets, Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Nuggets. But the main problem was that The Clippers looked better without Harden.
Many media houses were quick to blame him for the Clipper’s downfall. The Clippers were -67 with Harden on the court and are +24 with him on the bench after his first four games. James Harden was showered with hate.
Harden who was supposed to be the main man for Clippers instead was turning into a villain. He was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers with huge expectations, but his bad run of form earned him a lot of criticism from fans and media houses. The 34-year-old was on the receiving end of merciless social media trolling too.
Bill Simmons wrote: “Harden not being in shape is the cherry on the hot fudge sh*t sundae.”
Mavericks analyst Brian Dameris unloaded on Harden in a scathing drive-by.
“Listen, James, have you ever had those friends who had bad roommates? Over and over again they complained about their bad roommates.”
“They never thought to be self-aware enough that they’re the bad roommate, they’re the problem.
“If this doesn’t work this year, in this system, with this team, then you’re going to go and point fingers at everybody else and you’re going to go home and start swiping right for another team. There’s not going to be anybody left because James, you’re not The Beard, you’re not the system — you’re the problem.” [H/T Sports Illustrated]
James Harden proves why he should never be doubted
After the 144-126 loss to the Mavs, the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2018 said he needs “about a 10-game window” to see where he’s at. And he turned things around.
Clippers won 8 of their last 10 games. They have beaten the Nuggets, the Kings, the Pacers, and the Warriors.
“The Beard” proved to be the main man in those wins. He silenced his critiques by delivering 20.1 points, 9.8 assists, 51.7 FG%, 48.9 3P%, and +14.9 plus/minus in the 8-match winning streak. Harden was victim to such harsh criticism that it turned him into an unstoppable beast.
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