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As the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season approaches its penultimate back-to-back matchup, Ivica Zubac took a moment to reflect on the positive impact James Harden has had on his game with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The seasoned point guard, who earned the title of Most Valuable Player during the 2017-18 season, joined the 28-year-old Croatian center at the start of the 2023-24 season. Their collaboration has elevated Zubac’s performance to new heights, with averages of 16.4 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
“Everything has changed since he arrived,” Zubac shared with ESPN, discussing the significant influence of Harden on his game. “I’ve always wanted to play alongside a point guard like him. He’s arguably one of the best in pick-and-roll situations ever. It’s been amazing for me. He’s instilled a ton of confidence in me, a lot of swagger, as he puts it.”
This season has also seen Zubac emerge as a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
“In the early days of my career, people often said I wasn’t a good defender or that I couldn’t defend,” he recalled, reflecting on the skepticism he faced regarding his defensive skills. “I was determined to prove them wrong.”
While building his case for the award, his teammates recently wore jerseys that creatively fused his name with a note about the DPOY accolade.
“It means a lot to me,” Zubac expressed gratitude for the gesture. “When your teammates, the guys you battle with on the court, recognize your efforts, it really resonates.”
“I’ve always longed to play alongside a point guard like [James Harden],” he remarked.
Ivica Zubac discussed his rapport with Harden and his role as the cornerstone of the Clippers’ defense with @malika_andrews.
After a victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, the Clippers turn their focus to NBA Saturdays, set to face the shorthanded Mavs once more at the Intuit Dome. With a record of 45-32, they find themselves tied for sixth place in the Western Conference standings alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies.
