When asked how he felt about the impending All-Star reserve announcement on Friday, Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden responded with the phrase “bigger goals”.

“I’ve got bigger goals,” Harden said to The Athletic’s Law Murray.

“Achieving titles, assists, All-Stars, MVPs—all of that—is not happening at this time. I completed everything. Here for one reason only. And I believe that everyone is aware of the cause.”

Harden led the NBA in assists last year, but he missed out on the All-Star Game after playing in 10 consecutive from 2013 to 2022. The former Philadelphia 76er was not amused by the slight.

Harden might miss the All-Star Game for the second year in a row, but his championship goals are undoubtedly his first priority.

Right now, the 34-year-old is experiencing incredible success on the field and as an individual.

The Beard has averaged 17.2 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game this season. Harden’s 57.1 percent effective field goal percentage is also the highest of his career, according to Basketball-Reference. It was last achieved in 2011–12, when he was the Oklahoma City Thunder’s sixth man.

Currently sitting just two games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for first place in the Western Conference, the 31-15 Clippers are also playing at full capacity. Harden has been a key player in the Clippers’ 23-game winning streak over the past 28 games.

With ten All-Star selections, seven All-NBA selections, three scoring crowns, and an NBA MVP trophy, Harden has an impressive career. All he’s lacking is a ring, but this might be the year he receives that distinction.

Harden is obviously concentrated on the task at hand, and when the Clippers face the Detroit Pistons on Friday, they hope to continue the winning trend.

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