The NBA playoffs can be a cruel battleground, and for the Los Angeles Clippers, their latest campaign ended with a harsh dose of reality on Saturday night, May 3, 2025. In a decisive Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers were outclassed, suffering a 120-101 defeat that saw them eliminated from the postseason. The loss not only marks their exit from the playoffs but also raises questions about the future of their star player, James Harden, who continues to struggle in critical moments.
As the game unfolded at Ball Arena, the Nuggets, seeded fourth, showcased their dominance over the fifth-seeded Clippers. The Nuggets outscored the Clippers 99-75 from the second quarter onward, demonstrating a level of intensity and teamwork that propelled them into the next round, where they will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
James Harden's performance in this pivotal game was a focal point of discussion. The former MVP, who had previously shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, managed only seven points, shooting a dismal 2-of-8 from the field and contributing 13 assists, five rebounds, two steals, and one block over 35 minutes. His plus/minus of -29 starkly highlighted his struggles on the court.
Harden's woes in elimination games are becoming a troubling trend. According to various sources, he has now lost a Game 7 with four different teams: the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Houston Rockets. This latest loss adds to a concerning playoff resume that has fans and analysts alike questioning his ability to perform under pressure.
“James Harden has more Game 7s shooting below 30% FG than he does shooting above,” noted a commentator on social media, encapsulating the frustration of many fans. His performance in recent elimination games has been underwhelming, averaging just 14.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds, while shooting only 32.1% from the field over the last four seasons with various teams.
In stark contrast, the Nuggets displayed a well-rounded attack, with all starters scoring at least 15 points. Nikola Jokic, though he started slow, finished with a solid stat line of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Russell Westbrook also made a significant impact off the bench, contributing 16 points and five steals, showcasing the depth of the Nuggets' roster.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue had hoped for a strong performance from Harden, especially after he scored 28 points in a crucial Game 6 victory that kept the Clippers' playoff hopes alive. However, the inconsistency that has plagued Harden throughout his career resurfaced in this must-win game.
“The only way for him to get out of the hole he dug is by showing out in Ball Arena,” commented an analyst prior to the game, highlighting the pressure on Harden to deliver. Unfortunately for the Clippers, he fell short once again.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers in scoring with 22 points on 13 shots, but even his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Nuggets' relentless attack. Leonard, who averaged a series-leading 25.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the series, had hoped to lead his team to a different outcome. Yet, the Clippers' inability to maintain momentum in critical moments proved costly.
As the final seconds of the game ticked away, social media was ablaze with reactions. Many fans expressed their disbelief at Harden’s performance, with one user commenting, “Every time I think Harden’s playoff resume can’t get worse, he drops another game 7 stinker.” Another added, “James Harden’s name should never be mentioned in the same sentence as Dwyane Wade. Enough is enough.”
The Clippers’ playoff exit marks yet another chapter in a narrative filled with high expectations and disappointing outcomes. Fans had hoped this season would be different, especially with the addition of Harden, but the results speak for themselves. As the team looks to the future, questions loom about the direction they should take and whether Harden will remain a part of that vision.
With the Nuggets advancing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round, they will carry the momentum from this victory. The Clippers, on the other hand, will have to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward. Harden's legacy, once filled with accolades and achievements, now faces scrutiny as his playoff performances continue to raise eyebrows.
The 2025 NBA playoffs have already proven to be a rollercoaster of emotions, and for the Clippers, this latest loss serves as a harsh reminder of the fine line between success and failure in professional sports. As the dust settles on this season, the Clippers will need to find a way to rebuild and come back stronger, while Harden must confront the mounting pressure to deliver when it matters most.
