With four games against James Harden during their current five-game losing streak, the Los Angeles Clippers are in a difficult situation. Kawhi Leonard minimizes the team’s current problems in spite of their difficulties. The Clippers were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies, who are currently last in the NBA, at the Crypto.com Arena, where they play at home.
The Clippers failed to win despite a strong fourth-quarter performance, allowing the Grizzlies to win 105-101 and record their second victory of the year.
Kawhi Leonard was reportedly seen “growing increasingly frustrated” today and “took a while to come back to the bench” following a timeout.
(via @FlyByKnite) pic.twitter.com/QVUViI7fDI
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 12, 2023
The team has lost each of its last four games since acquiring James Harden, demonstrating that the trade-in has not paid off. Despite facing difficulties, the former league MVP finished with 11 points, three assists, one steal, and one block on 4-of-12 shooting from the field.
After four games of James Harden’s trial, the Clippers front office may be second-guessing their choice to sign the star who gets upset sometimes. The team’s defeats, particularly the most recent one versus the Memphis Grizzlies, make one wonder what effect the trade had.
Kawhi Leonard, who is usually a calm player, expressed frustration after the particularly disappointing loss to the Grizzlies, according to Clippers reporter Justin Russo via Legion Hoops.
"No magic to it," Kawhi Leonard said of finding a rhythm for the Clippers' starters. "Just figuring each other out."
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) November 12, 2023
Even though it might be too soon for the Clippers to give up on their goal of winning the Western Conference, their recent run of defeats against James Harden raises some doubts. In the upcoming days, weeks, or months, the story may change as some elite teams settle into a groove and get past early obstacles.
