Kawhi Leonard Reveals How James Harden Changes His Game
It took a six-game losing streak, but Kawhi Leonard is finally starting to find his groove with James Harden. After much struggle, the Clippers have found themselves in a two-game winning streak, and the duo looks much more comfortable together.
After the Clippers defeated the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, Leonard revealed how having James Harden in the starting lineup with him has made the game easier.
"[He] makes the game a lot easier for me," Leonard said. "Gets me wide open looks and that’s all I can ask for. He’s stepping it up on defense but it’s a group thing. We have to be able to get in the paint, move the ball, and also do the detailed things ... on the defensive end."
Kawhi Leonard put up 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block on 47/33/100 shooting. James Harden put up 13 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals. One of the most crucial parts about these stats was the fact that both players combined for zero turnovers. The Clippers as a whole had an astounding 15 steals against the Spurs, and Kawhi Leonard believes Harden makes that defense even easier for him.
"I’m getting used to being comfortable knowing that he can attract so much attention in the pick and roll," Leonard said. "Now I’ve got more energy on the defensive end, but when my numbers is called, I gotta be ready to attack."
The Clippers have played tremendously better the last two games, but it's still too premature to say they're back. If they can survive the upcoming brutal stretch this weekend, then they'll truly be on the right track.
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