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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Bringing a challenging start for his home team, James Harden has injected fresh energy into the Los Angeles Clippers, making him arguably the most impactful trade of the season. Serving as a major catalyst, the Harden-infused Clippers transformed from a 6-8 record to an impressive 34-15. Since November 25, 2023, they boast a remarkable 28-7 record and have secured the top spot in the Western Conference. Now that they’ve established themselves as the best in the West, Harden is seen making moves off the court.

Harden’s highly anticipated Harden Volume 8 sneakers, teased in December, have recently hit the market. Beyond their stylish appearance, they have proven effective for Harden, as he sported them in several recent victories for the Clippers.

In a notable gesture, Harden extended his generosity off the court by gifting a pair of his new sneakers to every member of the Clippers’ travel staff. Whether it’s the ball boys, maintenance crew, film lab personnel, or locker room attendants, each one received a pair of the coveted Harden Volume 8s.

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Harden is extending his impact beyond the court. Initially, he became the adhesive to bring the Clippers’ roster closer than ever. Now, he is creating a sense of unity and appreciation among the entire franchise.

Despite frequently being tagged as a selfish player in the league, Harden’s recent gesture adds another noteworthy chapter to his charitable endeavors. Moreover, the Prairie View HBCU basketball team is set to receive multiple pairs of Harden’s Volume 8 shoes. They will also have their branding on the pull tabs. Harden challenges his perception of being a selfish player and showcases his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court – which is often overlooked.

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How has James Harden made the Clippers team better?

In their last 20 games, the Clippers have emerged victorious in 17 games. Furthermore, they show a surge in offensive efficiency and net rating. James Harden’s newfound shooting touch stands out as a key element driving their success. His consistent efficiency has elevated the overall performance of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Moreover, it has also allowed the team’s star players to distribute their workload more evenly. In the past, the workload has kept the Clippers from reaching their potential. This, in turn, has provided Leonard with the opportunity to make a significant push in the 2023-24 MVP Race.

Watch This Story – Will Alperen Sengun Become the First All Star Out of Houston Since James Harden?

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Kawhi’s scoring has seen a notable uptick. He averaged 25.4 points in December and January compared to 21.8 points in the preceding two months. Additionally, Leonard’s performance has seen improvements in both consistency and efficiency, boasting a shooting percentage above 50% from the field and an impressive 45.7% from beyond the three-point line. The Clippers’ recent success is undeniably linked to the rejuvenated dynamics in James. Now the question is, can they maintain their top seed in the West?

Read More – James Harden Has “Bigger Goals” in Mind Ahead of All-Star Reserves Announcement