The Los Angeles Clippers are soaring high, currently sitting at 4th in the Western Conference with a 20-12 record. A major factor in their recent success? James Harden, who after a slow start, has finally found his groove with the team.

Coach Tyronne Lue is thrilled with Harden's integration despite missing preseason training, but he's not resting on their laurels. He recognizes that to truly compete in the playoffs, they need more offensive versatility.

"We have to extend our package offensively," Lue stated, "especially down the stretch and into the playoffs. You have to be able to lean on different things."

Harden's arrival initially coincided with a 3-7 slump, but the Clippers have since rebounded, winning 16 of their next 21 games. In his 26 games with the team, Harden has averaged a respectable 17.7 points, 7.9 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, maintaining his consistent three-point shooting of 2.7 attempts per game at 42% accuracy.

Their latest triumph was a convincing 121-104 victory over the Miami Heat, where Harden notched a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. Kawhi Leonard led the scoring with 24 points, while Paul George and Norman Powell contributed 23 and 22 points, respectively.

Despite the win, Lue's focus remains on untapped potential. The Clippers now embark on a three-game road trip against the Suns, Pelicans, and Lakers, presenting an opportunity to test their adaptability and further refine their offensive arsenal.

This Clippers team, fueled by Harden's resurgence and Lue's strategic vision, is steadily rising in the Western Conference. However, the coach's desire to expand their offensive repertoire hints at their ambitions beyond regular season success. The playoffs are on the horizon, and the Clippers are determined to be prepared with a multifaceted attack that can overcome any challenge.