As the Los Angeles Clippers were outclassed in their Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets, fans immediately pointed the finger at one player.
James Harden. His seven-point performance adds to a long list of playoff underperformances, adding to the claims that he disappears in the postseason.
And it only fuels the narrative that Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade is a better all-time player than Harden.
Dwyane Wade vs James Harden in accolades by the age of 35:
Wade: Harden:
3x NBA rings 0x NBA rings
1x Finals MVP 0x Finals MVP
12x All-Star 11x All-Star
8x All-NBA 7x All-NBA
D-Wade will always be better. pic.twitter.com/8GKvOJQrJH— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) May 4, 2025
Many have Harden and Wade intertwined at No. 3 among the best shooting guards of all time behind Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. However, Harden's inability to perform in the playoffs hinders his case. This marks another postseason where he's seemingly disappeared when it mattered the most.
James harden better than Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr? Niggas please. pic.twitter.com/RVMX8iWiuJ
— Man Listen… (@DOPEITSDAVE_) May 4, 2025
Wade won three championships and boasted more individual accolades in his career. Even in some of Harden's difficult playoff situations, it's hard to dispute his underachieving in almost every elimination scenario. Even if he still lost these games, he would likely receive more grace if he performed up to standard. But the dramatic dip in production continues this narrative around him.
"James Harden’s name should never be mentioned in the same sentence as Dwyane Wade. Enough is enough," Heat superfan ChefTrillie tweeted.
James Harden’s name should never be mentioned in the same sentence as Dwyane Wade. Enough is enough
— Austin (@ChefTrillie) May 4, 2025
Heat fans weren't the only ones clowning Harden Saturday night. Fans from all angles criticized the Clippers guard for another underwhelming Game 7 display. Harden averages 19.3 points on 35.5 percent shooting in these affairs, with four turnovers and just 22.4 percent shooting from 3-point range.
“Ty Lue undefeated in Game 7s”
— Trey (@TA1297) May 4, 2025
James Harden: pic.twitter.com/a4bF4bqm0L
With this victory, the Nuggets advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder starting Monday night.