Is a Clippers comeback even possible after that disastrous start? According to James Harden himself, the answer is a resounding yes! The star guard believes the Clippers can "come all the way back," a bold statement considering their early-season woes.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported on January 15, 2026, that Harden expressed this optimism after the Clippers secured their fourth consecutive win, a 119-105 victory against the Washington Wizards at the Intuit Dome. This win also marked their 11th victory in their last 13 games, making them the hottest team in the NBA during that stretch. But here's where it gets controversial... Can a mid-season surge really erase the memory of such a terrible beginning?
To fully grasp the magnitude of Harden's statement, consider this: Less than a month prior, the Clippers were languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Their record was a dismal 6-21, and the season felt more like a series of unfortunate events than a championship pursuit. Many teams in similar situations would simply throw in the towel, accepting their fate.
"Some teams, when it gets that bad, they just let the wheels fall off," Harden acknowledged. He addressed doubts surrounding the team's confidence, stating, "I had interviews where people were asking me, 'How do you find confidence?' and I'm like, 'The confidence is there. The losses are frustrating, but the confidence is still there.'" And this is the part most people miss...that internal belief, even when external circumstances look bleak, can be a game-changer.
Harden credits improved defense and strategic adjustments for the team's turnaround. "I think finding little tweaks and being a lot better defensively is what really helped us out," he explained. He emphasized the importance of focusing on one game at a time, mirroring their approach during their struggles. "Now we got to take one game at a time, just like when we were in the hole. We can come all the way back, but we have to chip away, chip away and really build some momentum going into the All-Star break."
As of the report, the Clippers were just a half-game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the tenth spot in the Western Conference, the final play-in tournament berth. The play-in tournament gives teams ranked 7-10 in each conference a chance to compete for the final two playoff spots. Think of it as a second chance for teams just outside the top tier.
Harden and Kawhi Leonard are both vying for a spot in the All-Star weekend, scheduled for February 13-15 at the Intuit Dome. Their recent performances certainly bolster their candidacy. During the Clippers' impressive 11-2 run, Leonard has been a dominant force, averaging 32.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 steals. Harden has contributed significantly as well, averaging 24.8 points and 7.8 assists.
Harden highlighted the strong connection he shares with Leonard. "We talk probably more than anybody," he said. "Once I see him flip the switch, it was like, 'OK, yeah, it's time to go.' That's the Kawhi we need. My job is just facilitate, get him going, get us going. So it's just been a complete 180."
In a significant personal achievement, Harden recently surpassed Shaquille O'Neal to claim the ninth spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. This milestone holds special meaning for Harden, who grew up in Los Angeles idolizing O'Neal's championship-winning performances with the Lakers. "That was a surreal moment just because as a kid growing up watching Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq, the Lake Show, Robert Horry, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, all those guys. To pass somebody who I really grew up watching, it's unreal for real," Harden said.
Addressing any speculation about a potential departure from Los Angeles, Harden reaffirmed his commitment to the Clippers, despite the team's early-season struggles. "It's hard to explain," Harden stated. "Being at home, that's like the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Just be able to hoop in front of my family, friends, people I grew up with, people that raised me. It's a different feeling. So as much as people talk all the time. That's social media, that's what people's jobs are to talk. For me, it's just like I'm actually living in it so I can't get caught up in what people talk about, how people feel, whatever the case."
He concluded, "I'm from L.A. and I'm blessed to be here." This statement seems to put to rest any rumors of discontent or a desire to leave his hometown.
But what do you think? Is James Harden's optimism justified, or is it just wishful thinking? Can the Clippers truly overcome their disastrous start and make a deep playoff run? Or is their early-season performance a more accurate reflection of their potential? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Do you believe home-court advantage and playing in front of loved ones is a significant factor in Harden's improved performance, or is it simply a matter of finding the right rhythm with his teammates?
