TITLE: Harden Moves to Ninth on All-Time Scoring List; Suns Lean on Ighodaro; Warriors Face Lineup Questions
SLUG: harden-ninth-all-time-ighodaro-impact-warriors-lineup-concerns
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES — James Harden climbed to ninth place on the NBA’s career scoring chart Monday, surpassing Shaquille O’Neal’s 28,596 points while leading the Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff push.
“It’s a true honor,” Harden told The Associated Press after the game. “Somebody that I literally grew up watching here in L.A., him and Kobe winning championships. It’s a testament to the work I’ve put in.”
The veteran guard continues to play a prominent role for a Clippers team targeting a strong postseason position.
Suns
Second-year center Oso Ighodaro is emerging as a key part of Phoenix’s rotation. According to Spencer Davies of R.org, the Suns post a plus-7.5 net rating when Ighodaro is on the floor versus minus-1.2 when he sits.
Head coach Jordan Ott has praised the 6-foot-10 big man’s versatility and lineup-connecting skills. “I’m definitely being asked to do a little bit more this year,” Ighodaro said, adding that he is focused on maintaining his intensity as his responsibilities grow.
Warriors
Roster construction remains a concern in Golden State. After Sunday’s loss to Atlanta, Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area labeled the Warriors “profoundly defective,” citing a lack of length and athleticism.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area questioned whether head coach Steve Kerr should stick with a starting unit of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Moses Moody and Quinten Post. That group has opened 13 of the past 14 contests but carries a minus-3.3 net rating this season. With the trade deadline approaching, debate over the lineup’s fit is intensifying.
Source: Hoops Wire
