'The Future is Bright': Clippers' James Harden Shares Thoughts on Rockets' Young Core

The Houston Rockets gave up a 20-point lead to the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night, but their collapse did not change James Harden's impression of their young core.

HOUSTON -- James Harden hasn't played a game for the Houston Rockets since he departed from the franchise in January 2021. But each time he plays against his former team, Harden has always exited the game impressed by the Rockets' young core.

Wednesday night, Harden left the Toyota Center after helping the Los Angeles Clippers take a 122-116 comeback victory. But before leaving Houston, Harden spoke on the Rockets' bright future.

Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"It's really good," Harden said. "They are definitely headed in the right direction. They have a combination of young talent with some vet pieces that have some experience. They have been playing really well. The future is bright." 

A handful of Houston's young players put on a show against the Clippers. Jabari Smith Jr. finished the game with 19 points on 6 of 11 shooting, while Cam Whitmore came off the bench and scored an electric 17 points.

However, Alperen Şengün had the best performance when battling against Houston's former franchise star. He recorded his second-career triple-double of 23 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists in the loss. Şengün's play came 24 hours after he posted a career-best 45 points against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday night.

In the victory, Şengün became the second player in franchise history to record at least 45 points, 15 rebounds and five steals in a game. He joined Harden, who achieved the feat during a 61-point performance against the New York Knicks in January 2019. 

Alperen Şengün Establishes Himself as Rockets' Cornerstone Amid Win vs. Wembanyama, Spurs

Behind the production of Houston's young core, the Rockets held a 20-point lead with five minutes left in the first half. Unfortunately, Houston gave up 78 second-half points to the Clippers. 

Harden contributed to Los Angeles' comeback victory by scoring 11 of his 21 points during the final two periods. He also added seven assists and five rebounds in the win.

"As much as we would like to adjust to the game from the beginning of the game, it took us a little bit," Harden said. "In that second half, we adjusted. They [Rockets] were playing faster, playing more aggressively than us, [getting more] second-chance points. 

"Basically everything as a coach you don't want to give up, we're giving up. We talked about it [in the] second half and we were a lot better."