James Harden shows aggression with Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to win a game when James Harden is on the court. Despite having a star-studded core that includes Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook and Paul George, the Clippers have been struggling after the mega-trade that sent "The Beard" to Hollywood. Harden is averaging 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game with his new team. Los Angeles hopes to reunite with the former Philadelphia 76ers star for tonight's game against the Denver Nuggets.

Harden can be heard talking to backup point guard Boones Hyland during the second quarter against the Nuggets. With Denver leading 44-39, the former MVP went to the bench for a break. Here's what he said to Hyland (from NBACentral):

"I'm making shots. That's why I'm waving. Did you feel that? I've got to get my fundamentals back before I get my swing ...... going. But I'll be fine."

James Harden had 11 points, two rebounds and an assist on 4-of-9 shooting in 18 first-half minutes. He was just 1 of 5 from the 3-point line, but he's confident he'll regain his old confidence. The Denver Nuggets led 60-52 at halftime and the team went to the locker room.

There may be some truth to what Harden said about Boones Hyland. He scored 11 straight points in the third quarter to raise his total to 21. The three-time scoring champion's hot hand allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to tie the game at 84 before the start of the fourth quarter.

However, it wasn't a one-man show for James Harden. Paul George was outstanding for most of the game. He scored a team-high 35 points in the Clippers' 111-108 loss. Harden's bravado didn't score a single point in the entire fourth quarter.

The Clippers are 0-5 in the Harden era and look to be in trouble. They need to fix the way they play as soon as possible.

James Harden shows aggression with Los Angeles Clippers James Harden's last two games with the Philadelphia 76ers are ones that Philadelphia fans would rather forget. He was awful in Games 6 and 7 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Harden put on the infamous "disappearing act" in two of the 76ers' biggest games of the season.

In those two games, Harden scored just 22 points. Fans and analysts criticized him for not only not scoring, but for being too passive. The three-time scoring champion refused to even look at the basket in the 76ers' biggest game of the season.

Celtics defenders were happy to go one-on-one with him. He doesn't have the explosiveness or strength that makes him almost impossible to defend. Worse, he can't even fake a shot. Boston showed him that.

In the last two games against the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden has shown more aggression. Maybe he's more comfortable now, so he's showing more purpose on offense. However, it remains to be seen if he can continue this momentum.

No one will be surprised if he loses his mojo again and fails to step up in the moments that matter most.

Clearly, James Harden is still trying to get his footing with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has shown aggression, but he still struggles to score consistently. Harden is a talented player, and it's only a matter of time before he solves this problem. However, if the Clippers want to make the playoffs this season, they need him to start contributing now.