James Harden was the butt of every joke Saturday as his Los Angeles Clippers saw their season come to an unceremonious end.
The Clippers star pulled off a disappearing act offensively in Game 7 of LAC’s first-round series against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo. He came into the contest averaging 20.7 points on 45.2% shooting over the series’ first six games.
In Game 7, Harden finished with just seven points on 2/8 shooting from the floor as Nuggets fans cheered after every one of his miscues in the 120-101 loss. While he did finish with 13 assists, the Clippers sorely needed some offensive firepower from the three-time scoring champion. Kawhi Leonard was the lone Clippers rotation player to finish with over 12 points.
Fans on X piled on Harden for underperforming in yet another big playoff contest. The Beard has lost a Game 7 with four different NBA franchises: the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Houston Rockets.
me, talking myself into believing a team with james harden on it was gonna win a game 7 on the road pic.twitter.com/WMtIgrlGIC
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) May 4, 2025
James Harden in the most important game every single season pic.twitter.com/h2OW2CR8b0
— 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙙 ☘️ (@BOSFred7) May 4, 2025
James Harden when the Clippers need him the most pic.twitter.com/4M8of235v4
— Novo (@NovoHeat) May 4, 2025
Harden was noticeably passive during the contest. The former MVP chose to defer to his teammates on several instances throughout the first half. During the few times he did try to score, Harden looked completely out of sorts.
Playoff Harden 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/aVO008fNoM
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) May 4, 2025
The Nuggets took control of the game in the middle quarters, outscoring the Clippers by 32 points combined in the second and third periods. Denver picked Los Angeles apart with a balanced offensive attack. Six different Nuggets players tallied at least 15 points, with Aaron Gordon’s 22-point total leading the team.
Steve Ballmer clearly did not get his money’s worth when he sent 120 Clippers fans to attend Game 7 on a chartered jet.
