Stung by Another Heartbreaking Game 7 Defeat: James Harden Faces Unforgiving Reality Again
The LA Clippers couldn't clinch a victory in Game 7 of their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, ending their 2025 season with a 120-101 defeat on the road. This loss further etches a discouraging pattern in James Harden's playoff career. A former MVP, Harden's quest for his first championship now extends to yet another year. Meanwhile, his former teammate Russell Westbrook celebrated as his team notched their postseason advancement.
Harden's shortcomings under the playoff spotlight are infamous. With this loss, Harden has now been ousted via a Game 7 defeat on an astounding four different teams throughout his career. The All-Star guard has faced Game 7 failures with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and now the Clippers.
Harden consistently shone for the Clippers in the first six games of the series, serving as the team's primary playmaker. However, he faltered in the final game. Harden ended up with a measly 7 points and 5 rebounds, but he did manage 13 assists in the game.
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The Clippers trailed by 11 points at halftime and were unable to recuperate, particularly during the third quarter. The Nuggets came out firing, with the game practically sealed midway through the third quarter following a big run, despite a lineup change from the Clippers. Westbrook closed the game by slamming it home.
With their 2025 campaign now over, the Clippers enter the NBA offseason facing numerous questions. Key among them is whether the team can have confidence in their roster.
Kawhi Leonard was in top form for the second half of the season, a rarity for him in recent years. The team must determine if they can trust Leonard and Harden to lead the team into their future.
[1] NBC Sports - Harden's Game 7 struggles continue: 7 points, 5 rebounds in Clippers' loss to Nuggets (2025)[2] ESPN - James Harden's Game 7 woes continue in LA Clippers' loss (2025)[3] Bleacher Report - 8 Recent Playoff exits to mar James Harden's illustrious NBA career (2023)
[1] The brightest question surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers as they head into the NBA offseason is whether they can handle another year with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard following their playoff flameout.
[2] Harden's Game 7 struggles continue, as he scored just 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the Clippers' loss to the Denver Nuggets, adding to the mounting rumors about his future with the team.
[3] With the Clippers eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs, the sports world awaits the team's strategy for handling Harden and Leonard as they approach a crucial offseason, particularly given Harden's history of playoff shortcomings with four different teams.
[4] On Saturday, Westbrook handled the Clippers with ease, scoring a historic number of points in a Game 7 to push his former team to victory.
[5] Meanwhile, the NBA world buzzed with speculation about the future of the LA Clippers, with the team's brightest stars now facing questions about their ability to lead the team into championship contention.
