James Harden delivered some other underwhelming playoff appearing because the LA Clippers exited the postseason within the first around, falling 120-101 to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 on Saturday. The former MVP, lengthy criticized for falling quick within the playoffs, as soon as once more gave lovers a glimpse of that acquainted model within the sport.
Harden posted simply seven issues on 2-for-8 capturing throughout 35 mins and registered a minus-29 ranking. While he dished out 13 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds, his general have an effect on fell in need of what’s anticipated in a win-or-go-home matchup.
Fans flooded social media with jokes about Harden, together with a jab referencing the viral debate about one gorilla as opposed to 100 males.
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“The gorilla wins for sure if one of the 100 dudes is James Harden,” one stated.
“Can’t believe I fell for playoff James harden again. Thought clippers had this series,” some other commented.
“CLASSIC HARDEN 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥,” some other fan stated, posting stats of Harden in Game 7s.
Following the defeat, Harden now holds a 3-4 file in Game 7s. Across the ones seven contests, he has averaged 19.2 issues and 7.9 assists whilst capturing simply 35.5% general and 23.2% from deep.
He has had some standout moments in removing video games, particularly with the Rockets, but in addition a number of low issues — like in 2023 with the Sixers, when he scored simply 9 issues, and now this loss to Denver, which made him the primary participant to drop a Game 7 with 4 other franchises.
“If there’s a Hall of Fame for coming up short when it matters most? They already hangin’ the beard in bronze,” one stated.
“Don’t you ever mention James Harden in the same conversation with DWade ever again in your life,” some other stated.
“James Harden is the most consistent player we’ve seen,” some other quipped.
James Harden, Kawhi Leonard-led Clippers crash out of playoffs
The LA Clippers held a narrow five-point edge after the hole quarter, 26-21, however the Denver Nuggets stuck fireplace, dominating the second one and 3rd frames via 16 issues every to bury the Clippers in a deficit they couldn’t recuperate from.
Nikola Jokic flirted with a triple-double, completing with 16 issues, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, whilst Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun chipped in 22 and 21 issues, respectively.
Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook every added 16, whilst Michael Porter Jr. contributed 15 to the hassle.
For the Clippers, best Kawhi Leonard cracked the 20-point barrier with 22, as Ivica Zubac added a double-double of 10 issues and 14 rebounds.
The Nuggets gained’t get a lot time to relaxation, with Game 1 in their second-round matchup in opposition to the top-seeded OKC Thunder tipping off Monday.
As for the Clippers, they head into but some other offseason stuffed with uncertainty and looming questions concerning the long term with their megastar duo.
Edited via John Ezekiel Hirro