The performance in all aspects was very unsatisfactory. The Clippers core backcourt was in very unsatisfactory condition in the preseason.

In a previous NBA preseason game, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings at home 109-91. After this game, the Clippers' record in the preseason improved to 2 wins and 1 loss; while the Kings suffered a three-game losing streak in the preseason and currently have a record of 0 wins and 3 losses.

In this game, although the Clippers won the game, the performance of the team's starting point guard James Harden was very average. Harden played 23 minutes, shooting 4 of 10 from the field, 0 of 6 from beyond the three-point line, and 0 of 2 free throws. He scored 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. He also had 3 turnovers and 3 fouls, with a plus-minus of 0. Harden completely failed to find his outside shooting touch on the offensive end, and even his free throws were inaccurate. Not only that, Harden did not have the effect he should have in terms of passing and organization. He also made many mistakes, and his contribution on the defensive end was also relatively limited. At least in this game, Harden's performance on both ends of the offense and defense was not ideal, and he did not show his own characteristics. However, the performance of the team's substitute players was indeed very outstanding, and Harden's mediocre performance did not affect the team's victory.

In the NBA regular season last season, Harden played a total of 79 times in 82 games, averaging 35.3 minutes per game. He averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. He also had 4.3 turnovers and 2.1 fouls. He shot 41% from the field and 3 from the three-point range. 5.2%, and the free throw percentage was 87.4%. In the playoffs, Harden played a total of 7 times, averaging 39.4 minutes per game, averaging 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1 block. He also had 3 turnovers and 2.3 fouls. He shot 43.6% from the field, 36.4% from the three-point range, and 81.8% from the free throw line. So far in the preseason, Harden has averaged 20.9 minutes per game in the first three games, averaging 6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1 steal per game, as well as 3 turnovers and 2 fouls. He shot 36.8% from the field, 10% from the three-point range, and 50% from the free throw line.

Harden's performance in these preseason games has not improved. His offensive efficiency and three-point shooting rate have always been unsatisfactory. His scoring ability and his contribution on the defensive end are both worrying. In the previous two games, he was able to play a role in organization and connection. In this game, his performance even in this aspect was very poor. As the core of the team's backcourt, Harden's performance will also determine the Clippers' overall competitiveness to a large extent. We can understand the lack of motivation in the preseason, and it is normal to have low concentration, and it is acceptable to perform poorly, but we just don’t know whether Harden can immediately regain his due level after the start of the regular season.