Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden got brutally destroyed by Dallas Mavericks analyst Brian Dameris on November 10. Dameris said Harden was the problem with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
The clip has since been deleted from Bally Sports’ X account at the urging of Bally Sports executives, who said it “did not reflect the Mavericks organization.”
During an interview with Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Harden shared his perspective on what Dameris said about him.
“I didn’t even hear exactly what he said, but people were telling me he was going in on me,” Harden told B/R. “He doesn’t know me or the situation. That would be f–ked up if I went at him and started being disrespectful to him, but I can’t. They don’t know anything. They just go off what they see on social media or hearsay.
“I don’t know exactly what he said, but I pay that s–t no mind. … I do a really good job at ignoring the noise because it doesn’t affect me. It’s just people talking. I guarantee that if you put whoever is talking in this situation, it wouldn’t be beneficial for them. That’s my mindset, but my focus is getting wins.”
The Clippers are 0-5 with Harden in the lineup. Harden is averaging 15.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 turnovers with LAC while shooting 47.1% from the field, 37.0% from beyond the arc and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line.
“When we figure this out, it’s going to be scary,” Harden told B/R. “We’re getting there. We’ll let others talk, and we’ll put the work in. It’s going to take some time, and that’s OK.”
The Clippers have lost to the New York Knicks, Nets, Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets with Harden. The team looks lost on both ends of the floor, but Harden isn’t going to panic.
“Just communication and making sure I’m doing my part with preparation and knowing where we’re trying to get to on both sides of the ball,” Harden explained to B/R. “I’ve played a handful of games, and obviously we’re not winning, but I’m off the ball more than I’ve ever been in a very long time. I’m just trying to find a balance between that and getting more pick-and-rolls.”
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