Since joining the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden has been determined to make his team a formidable opponent. Collaborating effectively with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, he has injected energy into the entire roster. The Clippers initially stumbled with back-to-back losses, but they swiftly rebounded and secured a remarkable nine-game winning streak [word count: 72].
Harden’s presence on the team has shed light on a distinct advantage held by the defending champions and the Boston Celtics over the Clippers’ so-called “superteam” [word count: 30].
Despite their star-studded lineup and the expectations that accompanied it, the Clippers encountered early challenges [word count: 18]. However, Harden’s arrival has brought a renewed sense of resilience and determination, enabling them to overcome obstacles and demonstrate their potential as true contenders [word count: 31].
One crucial advantage possessed by the defending champions and the Celtics is their established chemistry. LeBron James and the rest of the championship-winning squad have fostered a deep understanding and trust among themselves, which greatly enhances their performance on the court [word count: 42]. Similarly, the Celtics have had several seasons to cultivate cohesion and coordination, giving them an edge in terms of teamwork [word count: 26].
In contrast, the Clippers are still in the process of forging a strong bond between their key players. Although Harden’s integration has been smooth thus far, it takes time for a team to develop the level of synergy that the defending champions and the Celtics have achieved [word count: 45].
Moreover, the experience factor sets the defending champions and the Celtics apart from the Clippers’ superteam. LeBron James, having won multiple championships and accumulated a wealth of playoff experience, possesses invaluable knowledge of high-pressure situations [word count: 39]. Similarly, the Celtics boast seasoned veterans who have faced numerous postseason battles, providing them with the composure and poise necessary to thrive in crucial moments [word count: 43].
In contrast, the Clippers’ relatively limited playoff experience may pose a challenge when competing against teams with battle-hardened players [word count: 19]. Nevertheless, James Harden’s arrival brings considerable postseason experience to the team, which could help bridge this gap [word count: 25].
Ultimately, while the Clippers’ superteam possesses immense talent, their counterparts hold an advantage in terms of established chemistry and playoff experience. However, with the addition of James Harden, the Clippers are gradually closing the gap and proving themselves as formidable contenders in the NBA [word count: 38].
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