Although James Harden closed game six with concern, he had LA Clippers' fans ready to chant hallelujah as they won 111-105. He has usually not played well and shot horribly in elimination games, but the 2025 Clippers' version of Harden is different, and his stat line justified why.
Harden had an excellent second quarter, boosting his first-half stats in game six up to 21 points. However, the Clippers' lead was only one point going into the break, meaning head coach Tyronn Lue needed Harden's wizardry to spawn to kick off the third quarter.
Though the former MVP only scored seven in the second half, he facilitated well and played 47 minutes. His only rest occurred when Kawhi Leonard checked in for him at 1:25 in the first quarter.
Nonetheless, Harden scoring 28 points in elimination gives Clippers fans optimism that he can endure repetition in game seven. One of the two teams will be going home tonight, but if the 11-time All-Star does not recklessly turn the ball over and capitalizes on his patented moves, LA will move on.
Conversely, years of history contradict Harden succeeding this evening, making it easy to believe the Clippers will suffer their third-straight first-round exit.
James Harden had a great game six for the LA Clippers, but he is known for faltering in the biggest moments
Twenty-eight points in a win-or-go-home game six is extravagant for James Harden, but what will the follow-up game look like? Will he score under 15, with poor efficiency and careless turnovers? Or will he record a 30-piece and lead the LA Clippers to Oklahoma City?
These are some crucial questions, and Harden's saga favors an underwhelming performance in today's game seven despite what he has done this season. The only way for him to get out of the hole he dug is by showing out in Ball Arena.
Harden has been with the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets throughout the last four seasons. He has made the postseason each time, but in the games his squad was sent home, the three-time scoring champion has averaged 14.5 points, 9.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 turnovers, shooting 32.1% from the field.
These are role-player statistics that have come with atrocious efficiencies from one of the greatest players of this generation. Evidently, Harden will define game seven, but there is a strong chance that is good news for the Denver Nuggets.