Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden dribbles around teammate Ivica Zubac (40) and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Munson)
NEW YORK (AP) — At times, such as when James Harden raced up the floor and found a cutting Kawhi Leonard for a layup, it was easy to see why the Clippers’ new four-star system can be so potent.
“Unlimited possibilities,” Harden said.
Other times, such as when Russell Westbrook threw away a pass trying to get the ball to Harden to ignite a fast break as the New York Knicks were taking control, it appeared it might take a while before that happens.
Harden scored 17 points Monday night in his first game of the season, but the Clippers fell too far behind with a rough start to the fourth quarter and the Knicks beat them 111-97.
Harden joined the Clippers last week after finally getting the trade he sought from the Philadelphia 76ers since the summer and jumped right into the starting lineup in his debut, taking the floor with Leonard, Westbrook and Paul George.
But the first four went to the bench for good after Harden’s bad pass led to a Knicks fast-break layup that made it 104-88 with 4:25 to play.
The Clippers were already aware that adding Harden might not pay immediate dividends. Players who have been All-Stars and even MVPs in the NBA will have to alter the way they have always played.
“So just because you acquire a guy like James Harden doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to win,” coach Tyronn Lue said before the game. “You’ve got to put the work in and you’ve got to be ready to sacrifice.”
Lue said he expected it would take him 10 games to understand how to use his new roster. Harden couldn’t put a number on how long he expected it would take.
“If I knew then I’d be a genius at that point,” Harden said. “Hopefully sooner than later.”
Harden was the last of the Clippers announced and…
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