The Los Angeles Clippers are close to joining the upper echelon of teams in the Western Conference, needing just one more win to solidify their position. In their recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, they showcased their skills in a high-scoring 249-144 triumph. Kawhi Leonard led the charge with 36 points, supported by six other Clippers who scored in double digits. Notably, Leonard made a significant impact by scoring 9 points in the final 5 minutes of the game. While the team performed well overall, James Harden stood out as the star player of the night.

Harden finished the game with 30 points, shooting an impressive 50% from the field (7-14) and hitting 6 of 9 three-pointers. Additionally, he secured 8 rebounds and dished out 10 assists, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. After the game, Harden shared a glimpse of his outfit on social media, jokingly comparing himself to Kιller Mike and reflecting on his stellar performance.

James Harden sparked the Clippers’ offense early on with three impressive three-pointers in the first quarter. He also maintained a perfect free-throw record, going 10 for 10 throughout the game. To cap off his impactful performance, Harden nailed an iconic and-1 three-pointer late in the game, sealing the victory with less than a minute remaining.

With this win, the Clippers put an end to the Hawks’ four-game winning streak. Their next matchup is scheduled for March 18, which will be the second and final game of their season series. Meanwhile, the Hawks will be facing the Boston Celtics on the road, while the Clippers will return home to play against the New Orleans Pelicans.

James Harden may be benefiting from increased playing time due to a teammate’s absence. Joining the Clippers in early November, Harden sought a change from the issues he faced with the Philadelphia 76ers and a decrease in his trade market value. Wanting to play alongside his superstar friends and contribute to a championship-caliber team, Harden assumed the point guard role for the Clippers. As a result, Clippers guard Bones Hyland has seen limited minutes since Harden’s arrival.

Despite Hyland remaining professional, Harden and Russell Westbrook’s rotations have left little room for him to play. Consequently, Hyland’s nаme has surfaced in trade discussions, with the Minnesota Timberwolves expressing interest in acquiring him as a backup point guard. While trading between two top contenders is rare, it’s not impossible.