Clippers’ James Harden Takes Subtle Shot at Paul George, Russell Westbrook

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 11:53 AM ET

After the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday to improve to 46-32, James Harden appeared to take a subtle shot at Paul George and Russell Westbrook.

Harden said this year's Clippers team is "different" than last year's group.

"It’s just different," Harden said. "It’s just different. Different team. We got guys that know their role and know what they’re supposed to be doing consistently on a night-to-night basis. From the beginning of the season, it’s just a different team.”

When Harden was asked why this year's Clippers team is different than last year's squad, the future Hall of Famer said, "Personnel. You guys know. You know the players we had last year.”

James Harden on the Clippers this year vs. last year:

“It’s just different. It’s just different. Different team… We got guys that know their role and know what they’re supposed to be doing consistently on a night to night basis. From the beginning of the season. It’s just a… pic.twitter.com/RtbIHB0Usg
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 6, 2025

The Clippers went 51-31 last season. They were the fourth seed in the 2024 playoffs but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round in six games.

George left the Clippers last summer for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, while LAC traded Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, who waived the one-time MVP. Westbrook then signed with the Denver Nuggets.

The Clippers have several new players on the roster this season, headlined by Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum and Ben Simmons.

It appears Harden enjoys playing with this year's team more than he liked playing with last year's team. The Clippers are in seventh place in the Western Conference standings. If the regular season ended today, LAC would face the Memphis Grizzlies in the 7-8 play-in tournament game.

Harden is in his second season with the Clippers. The lefty is averaging 22.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.6 assists this season while shooting 40.3% from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc and 87.4% from the free-throw line.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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