James Harden Says Clippers Have 'Chance' to Be 'Last Team Standing' in NBA Playoffs

All-Star guard James Harden believes the Los Angeles Clippers may have the pieces needed to win a championship this season.

Speaking to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Harden said: "We got a chance to be the last team standing, which is easier said than done. But we focus on ourselves. We are playing well right now."

Harden expanded on his thoughts, noting that the Clippers have excelled at both ends of the floor thanks to a core that includes himself, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac.

"I'm so comfortable in my world and what I supposed to be doing out there. I think we got the team. We can play isolation basketball with two great ISO players. We got post game with Zu and Whi. Defensively, we've been really, really good all year. So, for me, it's about just keeping my composure, just going out there and reading the game and doing what I am supposed to be doing."

Although Leonard missed the first 34 games of the season due to injury, the Clippers managed to hang tough thanks to the play of Harden, Zubac, Norman Powell and a host of quality supporting-cast players.

Even at less than full strength for a large chunk of the season, the Clips were able to secure the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 50-32.

The 35-year-old Harden was a big reason why, as he enjoyed his best statistical season since 2020-21, averaging a team-leading 22.8 points per game to go along with 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals.

Named an All-Star for the 11th time in his career, the three-time NBA scoring champion and one-time NBA MVP was one of three Clippers players to average at least 21 points per game this season.

Few other teams in the league can boast the same depth of scoring as L.A., which is why it may truly have a chance to make some noise with a deep playoff run.

The Clips are tied 1-1 in their first-round playoff series with the Denver Nuggets, who are just two years removed from winning a championship.

Denver presents a tough matchup since it is led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić and rounded out by a strong starting five that also includes Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.

On Thursday, the Clippers will host the Nuggets in a pivotal Game 3 that could set the tone for the remainder of the series.