James Harden

The recognizable names scattered across the L.A. Clippers’ depth chart would’ve inevitably guaranteed them some semblance of nationwide respect heading into this spring’s highly-competitive postseason. But, as veterans of James Harden’s stature know, few things exemplify one’s “meaning business” quite like defeating a No. 1 seed. Often in vintage form throughout 2024-25’s resurgent season, Harden introduces could-be Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley to his bottomless offensive bag, spamming a series of between-the-leg dribbles until intel has been gathered. Poised to eventually strike, Harden uses Mobley’s momentum entirely against him on a crafty hesitation, clearing the space required for a painless at-the-rim finish, and an almost comical hands-over-head celebration, as if he were mindblown by what just transpired. Creating the type of play destined to someday appear on his near-two-decade-long highlight vignette, Los Angeles’ generational guard paired it with both victory and a well-stuffed stat sheet. Overwhelming the Cleveland Cavaliers throughout, Harden concluded with 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists, one steal, one block, and two 3-pointers on March 18, 2025.