James Harden’s playoff struggles continued as the LA Clippers were eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets in Game 7. Harden, known for his inconsistency in the postseason, had a disappointing performance, scoring only seven points on 2-for-8 shooting in 35 minutes of play. Despite dishing out 13 assists and grabbing five rebounds, his impact on the game was far from what was needed in a must-win situation.
Fans took to social media to mock Harden, with one jokingly saying that the gorilla would win against 100 men if one of them was James Harden. Another fan expressed disbelief at falling for “playoff James Harden” once again, while others highlighted Harden’s struggles in Game 7s throughout his career.
With this loss, Harden now holds a 3-4 record in Game 7s, averaging 19.2 points and 7.9 assists while shooting just 35.5% overall and 23.2% from deep. Despite some standout performances in elimination games, such as with the Rockets, Harden has also had several low points, including this latest defeat with the Clippers.
The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard, also failed to advance as they were outplayed by the Nuggets. Denver’s Nikola Jokic led the way with a near triple-double, supported by strong performances from Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. The Nuggets now face a quick turnaround as they prepare to face the OKC Thunder in the second round.
As for the Clippers, they face another offseason filled with uncertainty and questions about the future of their star duo. With Harden’s struggles and Leonard’s injury concerns, the team’s future remains uncertain. Harden’s reputation for coming up short in crucial moments has led to criticism and doubts about his ability to perform in the playoffs.
In conclusion, James Harden’s playoff woes continue as the Clippers crash out of the postseason, leaving fans and analysts questioning the future of the team. Harden’s underwhelming performance in Game 7 adds to his legacy of inconsistency in the playoffs, raising concerns about his ability to deliver when it matters most.
