In a season-ending Game 7, James Harden struggled against the Nuggets, finishing with only seven points. Despite his detour into glory during the first game of the playoff series, where he amassed 32 points, he averaged only 16.5 points over the remaining games. Closely guarded by Christian Braun, Harden shot just below 25%. Interestingly, this latest defeat marks Harden’s fourth Game 7 loss with a different team—previously with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers.

Russell Westbrook provided assistance to Braun, offering defensive strategies from his experience with Harden. Braun credited his success to support from teammates like Aaron Gordon, suggesting that such collaboration made it feasible to maintain pressure on Harden throughout the match. In contrast, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue lamented the team’s performance, particularly on his birthday, as they were significantly outplayed, trailing by as much as 35 points at one point. The Clippers, having arrived as the league’s hottest team into the postseason, are left to ponder their future with a roster set to age soon, including Harden and Leonard.

Ultimately, the Clippers will need to regroup and find a way to build around their star duo, as they eye the potential of the upcoming season.