Harden comes, team collapses, embarrassing performance for fans…Clippers lose to last-place Memphis

Undefeated after acquiring James Harden.

The Los Angeles Clippers lost their 2023-2024 NBA regular season game against the Memphis Grizzlies, 101-105, at the Crypto.com Arena on Nov. 13.

On March 31, the Clippers acquired James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Marcus Morris Senior, Robert Covington, Cannon Martin Jr. and Nicolas Batum, a 2028 first-round draft pick, and two second-round picks.

This gave the Clippers a big name Big Four of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Harden.

Fans’ reactions to the first Big Four were mixed: they were the No. 1 championship contenders on paper, but they were undeniably past their prime, and the addition of the elusive Harden to an already dysfunctional lineup was a concern in terms of team chemistry. 토토사이트

Before Harden’s arrival, George was in a serious shooting slump. The team was mired in a losing streak with lethargic performances in Harden’s games. There was little to look forward to on defense. The expectation was for an explosive offense, and the Clippers were held to 90 points for the second straight game. Against the Dallas Mavericks, the offense exploded, but the defense was atrocious, giving up 144 points in a three-game losing streak.

The game on the 13th was a golden opportunity to break the losing streak. It was a home game against the bottom of the league, the Memphis Grizzlies. With a miserable 1-8 record, Memphis was an easy one-game favorite.

But the Clippers fell apart even against this Memphis team. Five straight losses. George led the way with 26 points, but was held to 14 by Leonard. After missing mid-range jumper after mid-range jumper in the clutch, Leonard was nowhere near his ace. Harden missed 8 of 12 shots from the field, finishing with 11 points and a -28 rebounding margin. He was dead last in turnover margin.

Memphis was led by Desmond Bain with 27 points. Recent acquisition Bismack Biyombo had a similar 13-point, 12-rebound performance.