Scored 7 points and 13 assists together! We should not have broken up. Paul talked about Harden after the game. He has been holding back these words for 6 years.

In a preseason contest, the Clippers lost to the Nuggets 94-102. Although they lost by score, the outcome of the preseason games does not mean much. What really deserves attention is the running-in and potential of the Clippers' new lineup. Judging from the performance of this game, the Clippers' prospects in the new season are exciting. The team made targeted reinforcements during the offseason. The integration of new players and the tacit cooperation of the veterans showed positive signals and brought a lot of confidence to the fans. It can be said that the Clippers' lineup adjustments this season are quite interesting, and their various positions are already perfect.

Zubac is still growing as the team's inside core. His finishing and defensive abilities at the basket provide the Clippers with a stable inside pillar. The newly joined Lopez further enhanced the bench's ability to protect the frame, and his three-point shooting added outside firepower to the Clippers' offensive system. Collins' performance in the fourth position is also satisfactory. Not only can he face off against opponents on both offense and defense, such as against the Nuggets' Aaron Gordon, but he also shows good mobility. When Bill returns in the next game, the Clippers' lineup will be complete and their combat effectiveness is expected to reach a higher level.

Harden and Paul also maintain a high level, and the organization is still stable. Leonard's physical condition is also encouraging. He hasn't played a full preseason game for a long time. After recovering in the offseason, Kazi's health looks very good. He has also lost a lot of weight, which is undoubtedly the biggest benefit for the Clippers. The return of old captain Paul has given the team a shot in the arm. This experienced point guard provides guarantee for the Clippers' offensive sorting with his excellent organizational skills and on-court intelligence. His arrival not only improved the team's tactical execution, but also made fans full of daydreams about the new season.

Because when it comes to the Clippers' new season, how can we not mention the reunion of the "light bulb combination" of Harden and Paul? In the preseason, the scene of the two competing on the same court made people feel like they were transported back to the Rockets' peak years. Their cooperation is still smooth and smooth, without any sense of unfamiliarity. When Paul holds the ball to organize an offense, Harden will take the initiative to open up space and even create opportunities for his teammates through movement. When Harden takes over the offense, Paul will direct the inside players to come forward to cover and create one-on-one offensive space for Harden. This tacit understanding is reminiscent of the Rockets' classic tactics of the year - tearing apart the opponent's defense through high pick-and-rolls and singles.

On the defensive end, Paul's experience is equally valuable. He is well aware of Harden's shortcomings in switching defenses when facing small defenders, so he actively switches positions with Harden in defense to make up for the loopholes. This silent understanding stems from the two people's years of cooperation experience. Post-game data showed that Paul played 21 minutes and contributed 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, while Harden scored 5 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 steals in 24 minutes. The connection between the two is still sharp, and the plus and minus values ​​on the field are both positive, showing their positive influence on both offense and defense. After the game, Paul talked about his cooperation with Harden in an interview. He said that the two of them didn't need to speak too much on the court, and could understand each other's intentions with just one look. This tacit understanding stems from their two years of fighting side by side during the Rockets period, and they have already formed a natural chemical reaction.

Harden has also publicly stated that he and Paul are both very competitive players, and their desire to win allows them to always find the best way to cooperate on the court. Even if there are occasional disputes over tactical differences, it is for winning performance, not personal conflicts. Paul's return was no accident. It is reported that the Clippers specifically sought Harden's opinion before deciding to sign Paul. There were rumors of discord between the two due to their breakup with the Rockets in 2019, but Harden showed great support for Paul's return, even a supportive attitude. This shows that no matter how the outside world interprets their relationship in the past, Harden has always had full trust in Paul's ability and character.

Looking back at the "Light Bulb Combination" during the Rockets era, did their cooperation really fail? The answer is obviously no. In the 2017-18 season, under the leadership of Harden and Paul, the Rockets achieved the best record in the league with 65 wins, ranked first in the league in offensive efficiency, and also ranked among the best in defensive efficiency. Their singles ability and pick-and-roll cooperation are almost impossible to solve, tearing apart countless opponents' defenses. If they hadn't encountered a historical super team like the "Cosmic Braves", the Rockets would have fully hoped to win the championship trophy. Even if the 2018 Rockets were placed in any other season, as long as there is no super combination like the Warriors, they are very likely to win the championship.

However, the decision of the Rockets management in 2019 was disappointing. They traded Paul, two first-round picks and two draft pick swaps in exchange for Westbrook. This transaction not only directly weakened the Rockets' championship strength, but also caused Harden to lose his most reliable partner. Now, Westbrook has still not found a new home before the start of the new season, and even the Nuggets are unwilling to take over. And Paul, with his excellent golf intelligence and game influence, is still a hot player in the league. According to US media statistics, Paul's offensive and defensive influence with the Spurs last season was worth up to 20 million in annual salary, which is enough to prove that his ability has not declined with age.

Harden and Paul's playing styles have one thing in common: they both play with their brains. Whether it's precise passing, clever changes of pace, or a deep understanding of the game, they can always create value on the court. Paul has maintained a positive plus-minus value for 18 consecutive seasons, second only to Tim Duncan's historical record. If the Rockets did not disband rashly in 2019, but retained the combination of Harden and Paul, perhaps they would be able to realize their dream of winning the championship in the 19-20 season or later. After all, without the pressure of the Warriors, the Rockets' lineup chemistry that year was enough to make them a strong contender for the championship. Now, the "Light Bulb Combination" reunites with the Clippers, providing them with a valuable opportunity to make up for the regrets of the year.

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