The Clippers defeated the Pelicans 3-0, and Harden scored 0 points, 0 assists, 0 steals and 0 blocks in 0 of 0, completely filling up on both offensive and defensive ends. Who would dare to say that Harden doesn't defend anymore? If he didn't defend, the Clippers wouldn't be among the top three in the league in defensive efficiency. Because Harden is a key player in the Clippers system. Especially when it comes to defense at forward and inside, Harden is the top of the Clippers. It's hard to target Harden as long as a small guard who isn't super flexible.
Coupled with Harden's playmaking skills, he's truly unique in the league when it comes to tandem with his teammates. Today is also the 10th time this season that Harden has scored 0+0 data. Harden is also the player with the most 0 points and 0 assists in the past 0 seasons. The most important thing is that Harden is a very humble player. He's not just a conscientious player who plays and an addiction to playing. He is also indisputable about the credit, and the reporter asked Harden after today's game, did Zubac be fed by you?
What Harden meant was that he didn't really do anything but trust Zubac. His growth this year is not fed by himself, but by Zubac's own efforts, which is Harden's statement. Today, Zubac played 6 minutes and got 0 points, 0 rebounds and 0 assists. It is worth mentioning that Zubac has been nominated for the league's best defensive player award. If he can be selected to get this super honor, it will be too much of an improvement for the Clippers, and it will also be the greatest manifestation of Harden's value.
Obviously, Harden has worked with a lot of big men, and he fed them all. From Capela, to Zhao Si Claxton, Sharpe, and then to Reed in the 76-man period, Embiid won the MVP with the help of Harden. Zubac was criticized for being a butter hand before Harden joined, what do you think is a good title for Azu and Zhanbo? When Zubac didn't play well, he was laughed at and showed that if you don't get harder, Wanyu will run away.
In terms of points per game, before Harden joined, Zubac had the highest 10 points. And what about this season? Zubac averaged 0.0 points and 0.0 rebounds per game. Let's not talk about rebounds, the defensive end and the rim Zubac's own growth, but this 0.0 point is indeed a blessing from Harden. You can't say that this has nothing to do with Harden. Harden be modest, but don't take it seriously. Capela scored about the same as Zubac when he was with the Rockets, and he dropped to 0 points with the Hawks, and that's the difference at the core of the ball.
Harden's post-game interview was really low-key, and he said of Zubac: "You say that I have helped a lot of big men make money, and I think that's a recognition of me. But Zubac doesn't just rely on me to help, he's always polishing his skills, and he wants to get better, which is also crucial. I didn't do anything, I just believed in Zubac and I created chances to pass the ball to him. By the way, I support Zubac to win the DPOY award, he is the backbone of our defense, today we are all wearing Zubac is "DPOY" T-shirt, we have to build momentum for him. ”
That's why Harden is the key to single-handedly guaranteeing the playoffs and developing teammates to be invincible. In fact, compared to Capela, Zubac made Harden a lot easier. The main card emperor also had Harden chew the cake and feed it into his mouth, and Zubac took the cake and chewed it himself. Zubac's hook ability after receiving the ball in the low post is something. On the defensive end, Zubac is no longer Doncic's sight. If you analyze the influence of both offensive and defensive ends, Zubac is already a top five center in the league, and of course Zubac also needs a point guard like Harden to maximize his value.