James Harden Claps Back at Critics, Says 'Let Them Keep Talking' Ahead of NBA Playoffs
James Harden says he believes his critics will "sooner or later" appreciate his work ethic as he prepares to lead the Los Angeles Clippers into the 2025 NBA postseason.
"I think, sooner or later, people will start to understand and recognize how hard I actually did work, and what I was able to accomplish throughout my career," Harden told NBA insider Chris Haynes (7:45 mark of the video below.)
"So, for now, just let them keep talking, and hopefully they can change the narrative sooner or later."
Harden also told Haynes criticism doesn't bother him "because you don't get to this point, in this elite level a basketball, statistically and everything, without putting the work in."
"You can't even think about getting this far without putting the work in, or having a crazy work ethic," Harden told Haynes. "So that part doesn't bother me, 'cause I'm the one putting the work in.
"But it bothers the people that are around me, that hear and listen to the negative comments, and things like that. Because they see what the hell's going on, they see how hard I work. You know, 16 years, still being an All-Star, All-NBA Team, they should feel that way."
This isn't the first time Harden, who earned his 11th career All-Star nod this season after missing the mark in his past two campaigns, has defended his work ethic amid his age-35 season.
Harden told Overtime's Mike Kaufman in late March that he doesn't feel he gets "enough credit for the work that I put in" especially as he gets older.
"People want to talk about everything else, that they honestly do not know about, but in honesty, the work is being put in," Harden told Kaufman.
Harden is averaging 22.6 points per game, his highest output in three seasons, while adding 8.7 rebounds per night and missing just three games for the Clippers this season.
The Clippers have clinched a postseason spot, but whether Harden and his team have to fight through the play-in round first depends on the results of Sunday's regular-season finale.
A win over the Golden State Warriors could take the Clippers as high as the No. 4 seed, while a loss could risk the team dropping to No. 7 and meeting the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in.
The Clippers are riding a seven-game win streak to which Harden has been key, averaging 23.1 points, 9.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds over the stretch. Harden can look to answer any critics by helping Los Angeles secure a playoff spot with another big game on Sunday.
