James Harden’s latest postseason shortfall didn’t end when the buzzer sounded on the Los Angeles Clippers’ blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7. After delivering one of the worst performances of his playoff career and watching his season end in yet another early exit, Harden left Denver’s Ball Arena without addressing the media—prompting a wave of criticism from fans, and potentially, disciplinary action from the NBA.

According to league policy, all players are required to make themselves available to the media after games. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines, as demonstrated in past cases involving Kyrie Irving and Dillon Brooks. Irving and the Brooklyn Nets were fined $35,000 each for repeated violations of the rule, while Brooks was hit with a $25,000 fine during last year’s playoffs. If precedent holds, Harden could be next in line.

But while the NBA may be preparing a financial penalty, fans wasted no time handing down their own judgment. Harden’s refusal to speak postgame only added fuel to the fire after a lackluster showing in a must-win scenario.

What do 39.5M fans have to say about Harden?

“This made me even more pissed off than what he did in Game 7. Why doesn’t he wanna take accountability?” That sentiment echoed widely across social media, with fans pointing to his on-court disappearing act as just one part of a larger problem. In Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Harden managed just 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting.

While he did rack up 13 assists, the Clippers were never truly in the game after halftime, eventually falling 120–101. It marked L.A.’s third straight first-round playoff exit, and for Harden, yet another Game 7 defeat to add to his record, now having lost a winner-take-all playoff game with four different teams: the Rockets, Nets, 76ers, and Clippers.

“He’s so very talented. But so immature and toxic for his age. Harden can’t be this type of guy at nearly 36 years old; this ain’t Houston in your 20s anymore.” That fan hit a nerve shared by many. As Harden nears his 36th birthday, his playoff resume and off-court behavior continue to attract scrutiny. From forcing his way out of Houston, to the ugly fallout with Brooklyn, and most recently his very public spat with 76ers executive Daryl Morey—calling him a “liar” which cost him $100,000 in fines—Harden’s track record has become a cautionary tale of a star whose maturity never quite caught up with his talent.

And it’s not just Harden catching heat. The entire Clippers franchise has once again found itself under the microscope. “It’s not the Clippers without poor leadership and immaturity.”

Ouch, but not inaccurate. The Clippers’ organizational history is littered with leadership struggles, from the infamous Donald Sterling scandal in 2014 to recent years, where a star-studded roster has repeatedly failed to deliver when it matters most.

Despite having players like Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Harden, the team continues to fall short, particularly in high-pressure moments. Coach Ty Lue’s postgame remarks after the Game 7 loss reflected that disappointment: “Not playing our best game in a situation like this,” he admitted.

Saturday’s Game 7 wasn’t close. Though the Clippers came into the game of a strong Game 6 performance, they couldn’t maintain that momentum. The Nuggets responded with a balanced offensive clinic, becoming the first team in NBA history to have six different players score 15 or more points in a Game 7. Aaron Gordon (22), Christian Braun (21), Nikola Jokic (16), Jamal Murray (16), Russell Westbrook (16), and Michael Porter Jr. (15) all delivered. For Denver, the win was about depth. For L.A., it was about disappointment—again.

And fans think it’s time for drastic changes. “This attitude speaks volumes more than an interview, trade Harden!”

The calls for Harden’s departure are growing louder. With a player option for the 2025–26 season, Harden could technically walk away on his own terms this summer. However, many believe the Clippers should beat him to it and initiate a trade. Potential suitors like the Toronto Raptors or Chicago Bulls have surfaced in speculative talks, but the bigger question is whether any team is willing to bet on a player whose postseason baggage continues to grow heavier.

Looking ahead, the Clippers now enter an offseason full of uncertainty. Do they still believe in their core of Leonard, George, and Harden? Can they expect different results from the same group next year? Or is it time to finally pull the plug on this experiment?

Meanwhile, the Nuggets move on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 2, with Game 1 set for Monday in OKC. As for the Clippers, they’ll be watching from home—and in Harden’s case, doing so in complete silence.