What impression does LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lu have about James Harden, who joined mid-season?
In an interview ahead of the home game against the Sacramento Kings held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on the 13th (Korean time), Coach Lu answered the question, “What is the biggest advantage you have learned about Harden?” and answered “his passing ability.” I answered.
He said, “I am making it easier for my teammates to attack through passing. He highly praised Harden’s passing ability, saying, “He shows really good dexterity on defense, but the biggest thing is his passing ability.”
Harden, who joined the Clippers through a trade mid-season, has averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 17 games since then. 바카라사이트닷컴
Although he was a bit sluggish in the beginning, he seems to be melting into the team little by little. In his first five games, he only averaged 15 points and the team lost all of them, but he has shown a little better in the next 12 games, averaging 16.4 points and 7.9 assists. The team also rebounded to 9 wins and 3 losses. They are currently on a 4-game winning streak.
Coach Lu said, “Kawhi (Kawhi Leonard) and Fiji (PG, Paul George) are getting a lot of open chances. “Previously, I would have created my own shooting opportunities, but now I am getting a lot of easier chances,” he said, adding that other players are also benefiting from Harden’s passing ability. He also added, “The three players are making each other better players.”
The recent winning streak is the result of these efforts. He said, “It was difficult in the beginning, but the players stayed the course. I tried to get better every day, every game and every training. “In addition, these three players, including PG Kawhi James, are showing high levels of performance,” he said, explaining the secret to their recent winning streak.
When asked if he had learned anything about Harden outside of the game, Coach Lu smiled and said, “I don’t know because we know him outside of the game.”
Meanwhile, Mike Brown, head coach of the opposing team, Sacramento, said about his stance against Harden, saying, “Just knowing that Harden is there will make us play with a little more urgency.”
He acknowledged that Harden’s presence alone makes it difficult to defend against other players’ double teams, and commented, “He is a great help (to the Clippers).”