The Los Angeles Clippers are on the rise with three straight wins for the first time this season and so much of both their recent success and their ability to survive the beginning of the season despite their numerous struggles comes down to one man: James Harden. 

In a season that's been best by injuries to star players like Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal and even longterm injuries to role players like Derrick Jones Jr., Harden has been a constant. He's missed just three games this season, far better than some of his teammates, while holding down the Clippers seemingly singlehanded at times. 

Harden is just 0.1 points shy of the team lead at an average of 26 per game while leading in average assists with 8.1 per game and sitting at third on the team in average assists with 5.1 per game and third in average steals at 1.4 per game. 

Harden is in his 17th season in the NBA, one of the longest standing veterans in the league, while still playing at an elite level and taking on a heavy load with so many of his teammates dealing with extended or even season-long absences.

When he was interviewed by Dwayne Wade after the Clippers' Friday night win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Harden shed some light on how different his approach to fitness and preparation has been this season compared to the past.

"It's a lot different now than it was six years ago, I'll tell you that, Harden said (via NBAonPrime)."

Harden continued, "Attention to detail. Lifting more weights. Getting more rest. Making sure I'm precise with my workouts. Not overdoing it. Not underdoing it. Being intentional to what I do and being out there on the court. I think the focus, obviously the game of basketball has always been the focus, but just now on my body even more as I get older."

Harden's love for the game is palpable. It shows up in the effort he's given on the court nearly every night as he takes more of a responsibility than possibly ever before despite being a bit long in the tooth and his newfound attention to his fitness is another representation of that. 

Harden has already had a long career as one of the best players of his generation, and he plans on keeping that going for as long as he can.

"The goal is to play until I can't play anymore. This game of basketball... has done so much, opened up so many doors and built so many relationships that as much as I can I want to be available."