The Los Angeles Clippers hoped to take control in Game 5. Instead, they were overwhelmed by the Denver Nuggets. Jamal Murray delivered a dominant 43-point night. James Harden, however, had his worst showing of the playoffs for the Clippers in game 5. The result was a lopsided 131-115 loss that now puts the Clippers one game from elimination. Harden ended the night with just 11 points. He shot 3-of-9 from the field, missed both of his three-point attempts, and finished with four turnovers. His stat line—eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals—did little to mask the lack of scoring. More importantly, it reinforced a narrative that has haunted him for years.
James Harden Reminds Clippers That He Is Who He Is In Game 5
James Harden’s Game 5: Another Letdown on the Clippers
There was hope entering this series. Harden dropped 32 points in Game 1 and looked like his old self. But his impact dwindled as the series progressed. In the crucial Game 5, when his team needed him most, James Harden disappeared.
Since Game 1, Harden has failed to surpass 20 points in any outing. Game 5 marked his lowest output of the series. Fans and critics alike have grown tired of this pattern—regular season dominance followed by playoff inconsistency.
Bill Simmons joked on his podcast that the Clippers only put Harden on Nikola Jokić in Game 5 so people would remember he was still on the court. That kind of commentary isn’t just brutal. It’s telling.
History Repeating Itself
James Harden’s Game 5 performance brought back painful memories. Two years ago with the Philadelphia 76ers, Harden faced a similar situation. With his team up 3-2 against the Celtics, he dropped 13 points in Game 6 and just 7 in Game 7. That collapse helped send the Sixers home early.
Now with the Clippers, history threatens to repeat itself. Harden’s lack of production has fueled criticism. The silence afterward only made things worse. Harden refused to speak to the media after Game 5. It was his second consecutive media no-show. After Game 4, he also skipped postgame duties.
No postgame media for James Harden tonight. The Clippers said he left before reporters entered the locker room.
There was no postgame media for Harden after Game 4 either.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 30, 2025
Avoiding the media won’t help his reputation. It’s one thing to underperform. It’s another to avoid accountability. Fans want honesty, not absence.
What Comes Next for the Clippers?
Head coach Tyronn Lue has a tough task. He must recalibrate the offense and expectations. The Clippers cannot afford to rely on Harden to suddenly change. That ship may have sailed. The team needs to turn elsewhere.
Ivica Zubac had a standout performance with 27 points. Kawhi Leonard added 20. But more importantly, players like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Norman Powell contributed more than Harden. Both remain willing scorers who thrive under pressure. The Clippers should lean on them as the series continues.
The coaching staff need to be honest with themselves. They can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Harden’s patterns are well-established. Lue must design plays that prioritize others while letting Harden facilitate, not lead.
The Pressure Builds
With the Clippers now down 3-2, they must win Game 6 to survive. James Harden’s Game 5 performance has only added doubt. Fans are justified in questioning whether Harden can deliver in these moments. At 35, he still possesses great basketball IQ and skill, but those haven’t translated to playoff greatness.
Denver won Game 5 convincingly. They didn’t just beat the Clippers—they exposed them. Murray reminded everyone why he thrives in the postseason. Harden, meanwhile, reminded us why his playoff legacy remains so polarizing.
Moving Forward: The Clippers can’t be Dependent on James Harden
Harden had a chance to change the narrative in Game 5. He didn’t take it. His performance—and silence—only reinforced long-standing concerns. For the Clippers to bounce back, they must stop expecting Harden to be something he’s not. James Harden’s Game 5 disappointment may be a turning point—not for him, but for how the Clippers move forward.
They have the talent. They have the depth. Now, they need to shift their focus. Because if they don’t, Game 6 could be their last.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
