Paul Pierce Calls Out James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Clippers

James Harden made headlines earlier this week when he seemingly tried to contest Kawhi Leonard’s shot during a recent Los Angeles Clippers game.

Afterward, Harden said he was just playing around.

“I was trying to bring some excitement to this team,” Harden said.

“I think these last few weeks have been a fog for us. I think every team goes through it. So I think it was just me trying to create energy, create a great vibe for this team. Maybe it would’ve been better if he had made the shot, but give them something to laugh about, some excitement.”

Kentucky Fan Identified After Unfortunate Loss To Oakland: https://t.co/5187wRPoF6

— Game 7 (@Game7__) March 22, 2024

‘Undisputed’ host Paul Pierce wasn’t amused, though.

“It’s funny when you’re up 20, but we’re in times where a 20-point lead is not safe anymore,” he said.

“This may have been the best defense James Harden has played all year.” 😅@paulpierce34 on Harden’s bizarre attempt to block Kawhi Leonard’s shot pic.twitter.com/zwq1X9MJIO

— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) March 21, 2024

“So, this screams to me that there is still a lack of leadership on this team. Obviously, Kawhi didn’t think it was funny. Look at the end of the play, he kinda throws his hands up like, ‘Bro what are you doing.’ This tells me again that there is an identity crisis with this team.”

Pierce then proceeded to drop the hammer on Harden, Leonard and the Clippers.

“It’s not like you’re one of the best teams,” he continued.

“I can get it if you’re the Boston Celtics – you guys are steam-rolling team (but) like you guys are still trying to find yourself as a team, and when I look at it, it’s just not funny. This may have been the best defense James Harden has played all year.”

Pierce has been coming with a lot of strong takes lately, as exemplified by his recent opinion on Kevin Durant.

This was just the latest case of that.

Will Harden, Leonard and the Clippers be able to win an NBA championship this year and prove their haters like Pierce wrong? An answer one way or another is coming over the next few months.

Related: A List Of Players Admitting They’re Scared Of LeBron James