James Harden scores 17 in debut as Clippers fall to Knicks - ESPN

NEW YORK — Despite it feeling «kind of weird» to play in his first game of the season following no training camp with the LA Clippers, James Harden had no trouble seeing what he, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook can do together.

«Unlimited possibilities,» Harden said.

Harden made his long-awaited debut for the Clippers on Monday night, and while the New York Knicks spoiled the occasion with a 111-97 win at Madison Square Garden, the Clippers were keeping their eyes on the big picture and what they believe will be exciting times ahead.

Harden made 6 of 9 shots and finished with 17 points and six assists in 31 minutes. He admitted it felt strange playing in his first game without going through training camp or preseason with the Clippers following last week's trade from Philadelphia.

«I feel kind of weird out there,» Harden said. «But just not really having a preseason game or an opportunity to participate in the full training camp or none of that. It was just [being] out there and just basically winging it. Try to go off my basketball instincts and what I've been doing for the last few years or whatnot. I just went out there and playing and thinking the game and trying to make the game easier for everybody else.»

The Clippers started their four stars together with center Ivica Zubac. While all four scored in double figures, with Leonard finishing with a game-high 18 points, the Clippers looked out of sync trying to feel one another out on several occasions.

They turned the ball over 22 times, leading to 35 Knicks points. They were outrebounded 48-31 and surrendered 18 offensive rebounds. And they couldn't get stops in the second half, giving up 69 points to the Knicks after halftime.

Making matters worse,