Clippers Crushed by Nuggets in Disastrous Game 7

In a shocking turn of events, the Los Angeles Clippers suffered a devastating blow in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets, ending their playoff run with a staggering 120-101 defeat. The game was scarcely competitive, with the Clippers trailing by as many as 35 points in the fourth quarter.

Harden's Predictable Disappointment

James Harden's performance stood out for all the wrong reasons, particularly his meager seven points on just eight shots. This lackluster showing was all too familiar for fans, marking yet another elimination game where Harden failed to deliver. After scoring 28 points in the previous game, expectations were high—but history suggested otherwise.

A Troubling Pattern in Elimination Games

Statistically, Harden's track record in high-pressure situations is worrisome. He's shot a mere 39% in his last 13 elimination games and saw his teams collapse with a dismal 2-11 record. Even if we consider his standout Game 6 performance, he's averaged only 14.2 points over the past five elimination games—making his Game 7 effort all the more disappointing.

Comparisons to NBA Greats

While other basketball legends like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James continue to shine in elimination scenarios—scoring over 20 points nearly every time—Harden’s numbers tell a different story. In fact, he's failed to reach 20 points in 12 of his 26 career elimination games, including a shocking seven of his last 13.

A Legacy in Decline?

Harden's name is synonymous with incredible scoring ability, but his playoff performances are raising questions about his legacy. Scoring fewer than ten points in back-to-back Game 7s is an unsightly feather in his cap, especially when compared to greater players of the past, like James Worthy, who dominated in crucial moments.

The Irony of Early Series Brilliance

What makes Harden's elimination-game failures so hard to process is his ability to perform at an elite level earlier in playoff series. This season alone, he displayed brilliance in Game 1 with 32 points, only to vanish when it mattered most. The same pattern repeated last season and the season before, where promising starts quickly fizzled out under pressure.

Clippers' Hopes Dashed

Entering the postseason, the Clippers were contenders, bolstered by a healthy Kawhi Leonard and a robust defense. Harden was viewed as the missing piece to propel the team towards a championship run. However, when it counted, his disappearance proved too much for the Clippers to overcome, ultimately leading to their downfall.

As the dust settles after this latest playoff exit, the questions surrounding James Harden's ability to perform under pressure remain as relevant as ever, casting a cloud over his status as one of the league's greatest.