Last season, the Los Angeles Clippers went on a long losing streak after signing a former MVP guard (Russell Westbrook). In a desperate attempt to turn the season around, they faced the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies at home, who were missing star point guard Ja Morant, among others. The Grizzlies had a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter, but a furious rally from the Clippers led to a come-from-behind victory that got them back on track. They finished the season 11-6, and had there been no injuries, they might have made some noise in the postseason.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Clippers found themselves in an eerily similar situation. They went 0-3 in a home game against the Grizzlies because they traded former MVP guard James Harden. Like last season, the Grizzlies were without Morant and a number of role players, and like last season, the Grizzlies built a double-digit lead by the fourth quarter. The Clippers managed to erase that deficit just like they did a season ago, using a 16-5 run early in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 84.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, the similarities ended there. Desmond Bane scored nine big points and reserve big men David Roddy and Bismack Biyombo made just enough big plays near the rim to secure the Grizzlies a 105-101 win, their second of the season. The Clippers fell to 0-4 with Harden. Now, with a road trip to Denver looming, the Clippers are facing the same 0-5 start they had a season ago with Westbrook.
Harden struggled mightily in his fourth Clipper loss. He shot 4 of 12 for 11 points, four rebounds and three assists, but more troublingly, the Clippers lost by 28 points in the 29 minutes he played and won by 24 in the 19 minutes he sat Four games in, the Clippers have lost Harden’s minutes by 67 points. In all other minutes this season, they outscored their opponents by 85 points.
Clippers coach Ty Lue emphasized that Harden needed to be selfish after the loss. “Just play, do your thing,” Lue said told reporters after the game. “If you do too much, we’ll let you know.” When the Clippers signed Harden, he created expectations that he would play like that. “I’m not a system player, I’m a system,” Harden said. As a Clipper, he averages nine shots in about 31 minutes per game. Given his defensive deficiencies, Harden will need to be an elite offensive player to warrant heavy minutes.
Still, it’s only four games. The benefit of trading for Harden in October rather than betting hard on the price and getting him later in the season is that the Clippers will have plenty of time to figure out how he fits into their roster. But so far the trade has been disastrous. The 76ers haven’t lost since trading for Harden and the Clippers haven’t won. If a home game against the Grizzlies without Morant isn’t enough to get the Clippers going, it’s hard to say what will happen.