James Harden ensured that LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue heard his message loud and clear.
The Los Angeles Clippers were pushed to their limits by the Utah Jazz in their final game before the 2025 NBA All-Star break.
Despite being a clear difference in the two teams’ places in the Western Conference standings, the contest went to OT.
The Clippers ultimately walked away with a 120-116 win over the Jazz behind a sensational double-double performance by James Harden.
The LA Clippers’ recent game was under the spotlight as their newly acquired star Ben Simmons was scheduled to make his team debut.
While Simmons put on a stellar performance, it was the Beard who stole the show.
Harden finished the night with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. But what’s even more impressive is the fact that the 35-year-old ended up playing 49 minutes.
It’s rare to see a player in his mid-30s play nearly 50 minutes in a game right before the NBA All-Star break. After all, NBA fans recently called out Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard for resting ahead of the All-Star weekend.
Thinking from a coach’s perspective, giving extended minutes to his 35-year-old guard who is set to compete in the NBA All-Star game as well, was a poor choice.
In fact, head coach Tyronn Lue was seemingly skeptical about keeping Harden in the game, but the 11x NBA All-Star wanted to play in this ‘must-win’ game for the team.
“Just trying to be in the best shape and conditioning I can be. I told T-Lue don’t take me out of the game. This is a must-win for us. Seriously, because we needed to go into this break with some swagger,” Harden said.
The former NBA MVP added: “He [Ty Lue] listened and we won the game. So, just trying to do whatever it takes to win games.”
Following this sensational dub, the Clippers have improved to a 31-23 record as they remain the sixth seed in the loaded Western Conference.
