Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden sings familiar tune as Clippers continue to spiral

While James Harden flashed James Harden-like production on Tuesday, his season-high 21 points weren't enough to net his first victory as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers

With a 111-108 loss to the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets, the Clippers have now gone winless over their last six games, including 0-5 since acquiring Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Despite the disastrous start to his tenure in Los Angeles, Harden doesn't seem to be sweating things too much. While speaking to reporters after the game, Harden preached a repetitive message to those writing off his pairing with the Clippers. 

"I kept reiterating, I didn't have a training camp or a preseason, so kind of learning on the fly," Harden said. "Also getting myself into James Harden shape. Tonight was definitely another step in the right direction and just keep improving."

As a former Sixer, Harden is no stranger to trusting the process. Nevertheless, the early returns must give Clippers fans a reason to pause. After beginning the season 3-1, the team has slipped down to 12th place in the West with a 3-7 record — tied for the fifth-worst record in basketball. 

Despite Los Angeles' struggles, Nuggets coach Michael Malone sees a light at the end of the tunnel for the new-look Clippers.  

“it’s just a matter of time before they figure it out,” Malone said after the game via the Denver Post.

While the Clippers have all the makings of a theoretical postseason threat, they at least need to get by in the regular season. It's still early days in Los Angeles, but the meshing between Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook must improve leaps and bounds if they hope to make a legitimate title push.  

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks ride 'Luka Magic' on both ends late to win Game 1
Panthers shut out Rangers 3-0 in Eastern Conference Final opener
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
Roger Goodell discusses factors for possible 18-game NFL season
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Former teammate warns Tee Higgins about pitfalls of playing on franchise tag
Watch: Timberwolves and Mavericks trade dunks in third quarter
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension
Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins 2024 Jack Adams Award
Incredible Orioles streak finally comes to end against Cardinals
Raiders QB shares surprising reason for switching jersey number
New Jersey Devils to hire just-fired head coach to lead bench
Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran
Veteran WR announces retirement after nine seasons
Eagles stars defend new DC following criticism
Steelers first-round pick still confident following 'rough' practice
Angel Reese pulls notable sports ownership move