James Harden is one of the most prolific offensive talents we’ve seen in NBA history. Yet every time Harden is in a big playoff moment he disappears. In game 7 against Detroit he shot a measly 2-10 and got bailed out by a career game from Sam Merill. This isn’t even the first time Harden has let his team down in the playoffs, at least this time they won the game.
2015 game 5 vs GSW
James Harden in this game which saw his Rockets get eliminated, he shot a dismal 2-11 and committed a then franchise record 12 turnovers. This led to a blowout loss and saw their season end.
2017 game 6 vs SAS
At home with a chance to extend the series Harden again let his team down. In a game where San Antonio was without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, Harden only posted 10 points on 2-11 shooting. He also added 6 turnovers and his team lost by 39 and was eliminated.
2019 game 6 vs GSW
A Warriors team without Kevin Durant was extremely vulnerable. Yet Harden failed to capitalize, shooting 11-25 and missing some clutch free throws in what ended up being a season ending 3 point loss.
2026 game 2 vs DET
Late in his career it’s unfair to expect Harden to be a star player every night. But when Cleveland traded for him they at least expected better than 10 points on 3-13 shooting. Luckily his team did end up winning the series, but it could have been much quicker had Harden not killed the momentum leading to this game 2 loss.
Like I said, James Harden is one of the best offensive talents we’ve ever seen. But unless he shows up and helps lead a team to a championship he will always have this dark cloud hovering over his legacy, that he fails to show up when it matters most.
