Star Player James Harden Skips Media Obligations Again Following Game 7 Mishap (Los Angeles Clippers)
The Los Angeles Clippers' Playoff Woes: A Disappointing End for Harden and Co.
This year, the Los Angeles Clippers finally seemed to be hitting their stride, boasting a healthy squad and decent form as they headed into the playoffs. The dream of making a deep run and vying for the championship seemed a reality. However, that optimism was quickly crushed when the No. 5 seed in the West suffered a humiliating 120-101 loss in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets.
The Clippers had built a formidable momentum after a striking win in Game 6 at home. But everything fell apart in Game 7. The Nuggets grabbed an 11-point lead at halftime, and then went on a rampant 24-4 run in the third quarter, sealing the game's outcome. By the midpoint of the fourth, the Clippers' coach, Tyronn Lue, had already emptied his bench.
Once again, it was James Harden's underwhelming performance in the biggest game of the season that came under scrutiny. After the loss, Harden chose to skip talking to the media, as reported by Joey Linn of Sports Illustrated. "No postgame media for James Harden again. Just left the arena," Linn stated on X, formerly Twitter. "He didn't talk after the last three Clippers' losses."
A Closer Look at Clippers' Fate After the Playoff Exit
Harden played for 35 minutes in the loss, but managed only seven points on 2-for-8 shooting. He did dish out 13 assists and set his teammates up decently in the first half. However, his lack of scoring punch proved to be too much for the Clippers to handle.
The Nuggets employed numerous defensive looks on Harden in Game 7, showing him multiple defenders in the first half before tightening up the Los Angeles offense with a zone changeup in the second half.
The Nuggets will now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round, while the Clippers are left pondering over what went wrong in another postseason. Although health has been a constant concern in the past, the picture is more complicated in 2025. Los Angeles managed to maintain momentum and had both Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac playing exceptionally well. Yet, once again, James Harden failed to deliver in a crucial game.
Enrichment Details:
- James Harden's Playoff Performance: In the 2025 postseason, Harden averaged 21 points per game while shooting 38% from the field.
- Significant Moments: In the final stretch of the regular season, Harden recorded a triple-double, notching 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Leadership Skills: Harden emphasized the team's control over its playoff destiny, highlighting his role in keeping the team focused during crucial games.
- Playoff Mentality: Despite the Clippers' Game 7 loss, Harden's playoff presence underscored his importance as a secondary scorer and playmaker alongside Kawhi Leonard.
- Despite a healthy squad and good form, the Los Angeles Clippers faced a disappointing end in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, losing to the Denver Nuggets in a humiliating Game 7.
- The Nuggets' defensive strategies proved effective against James Harden, who struggled in the crucial game, manageing only 7 points on 2-for-8 shooting, despite setting up his teammates well.
- Harden's underwhelming performance in the playoffs has come under scrutiny, with his lack of scoring punch being a significant factor in the Clippers' exit from the playoffs.
- In the next round, the Nuggets will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Clippers are left questioning their performance, particularly Harden's performance in crucial games.
- Despite managing momentum and excellent play from Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac, James Harden's failure to deliver in a crucial game has once again been a disappointing aspect for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
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