The Los Angeles Clippers faced a brutal defeat against the Denver Nuggets in Game 7, losing 120-101. The game showcased a particularly poor performance from James Harden, who managed only seven points on eight attempts, continuing his trend of underwhelming showings in elimination games. This loss marked a continuation of Harden's struggle, as he has averaged just 14.2 points in his last five elimination games. Despite his 13 assists in this match, his scoring output was disappointing and emblematic of a larger trend of disappearing acts in critical moments.

Harden's history in elimination games is troubling, having scored under 20 points in 12 of his 26 such games. His inconsistency raises questions among analysts and fans, particularly when compared to other stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James, who consistently perform at high levels during crucial playoff moments. The Clippers, initially seen as a potential threat in the playoffs due to the strength of their roster, including Kawhi Leonard, fell short, with Harden's dip in performance being a significant factor in their elimination. As the postseason unfolds, Harden's legacy continues to be influenced by these disappointing playoff performances.