What's behind the Clippers' hot streak?
After an 0-6 record following their acquisition of James Harden in late October, the Los Angeles Clippers have won eight straight games and sit 1.5 games behind second-place Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.
"I think as a team, we're finally catching a rhythm," Harden said following a 151-127 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, per The Athletic's Law Murray.
So, what's behind the winning streak and what can we expect now from the Clippers, who play at Dallas (16-10) on Wednesday night?
Per Cleaning the Glass, the Clippers (16-10) have the seventh-ranked offense and seventh-ranked defense. When adjusted for only the last two weeks, the team is first in offense and sixth in defense, signaling an upward trajectory for the team.
One major factor in the team's success is guard Russell Westbrook's willingness to move to the bench in favor of defensive-minded guard Terance Mann, whose presence creates a more balanced starting lineup. Westbrook's fit in the starting lineup was awkward following Harden's arrival because his lack of elite shooting skills and off-ball prowess stagnated the offense at times.
With Westbrook playing a sixth-man role, Harden has assumed the role of primary playmaker in the starting lineup. He has averaged 20.1 points and 9.8 assists during the eight-game win streak, including a 35-point, nine-assist game against the Pacers on Monday. Westbrook, meanwhile, is free to employ his high-energy play leading the second unit.
The biggest beneficiaries of Harden's arrival are star forwards Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. With Harden assuming the bulk of the playmaking responsibilities, Leonard and George can take a step back from initiating the offense — a role neither was suited for — and instead become the beneficiaries of Harden's elite passing.
"That's why we brought him [Harden] here, to score the basketball and make plays for other guys, make it easier for Kawhi and PG," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of Harden.
Over the last 10 games, Leonard has averaged 29.1 points and six rebounds and shot a blistering 63 percent from the field, 57.4 percent from three and 90.2 percent at the free-throw line. This rise in efficiency is the direct result of Harden's presence and his ability to get the ball to Leonard in the most advantageous spots.
Harden has raised the ceiling of this team, as has former MVP Westbrook leading a second unit with quality role players like Daniel Theis and Norman Powell. With Mann and Ivica Zubac providing a supporting role in the starting lineup, there's no telling how far this team can go.
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