James Harden just wrapped up a strong 2024–25 regular season with the Los Angeles Clippers—his 11th All-Star nod, 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game over 79 contests. And yet, somehow, we’re right back in familiar territory: another Game 7, another Harden meltdown, and another Skip Bayless rant.
Los Angeles Clippers: Skip Bayless Melts Down Over Harden’s Playoff Woes—Again
Following the Clippers’ first-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, Bayless took to social media and unleashed a trademark tirade: “I’LL MOST REMEMBER JAMES HARDEN’S CAREER FOR HIS MANY PLAYOFF FLAMEOUTS AND FOR THE WAY HE QUIT HIS WAY OUT OF HOUSTON TO GET TO BROOKLYN, THEN QUIT HIS WAY OUT OF BROOKLYN TO GET TO PHILADELPHIA.”
Bayless’ fury was triggered by Harden’s latest Game 7 stat line: 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting in 35 minutes. It’s the third straight postseason Harden has shot under 30% in a decisive Game 7. His last three Game 7s? A combined 38 points on 27% shooting. For a future Hall of Famer, that’s rough.
Also, what serious person tweets in all caps?
Harden’s legacy remains a paradox. He’s the last American-born MVP (2018), a three-time scoring champ, and one of the most prolific offensive talents of the modern era. Yet his postseason résumé is riddled with vanishing acts—especially when it matters most. Since that MVP campaign, Harden hasn’t been past the second round.
Meanwhile, MVP conversations have moved on. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just became the first Canadian-born player since Steve Nash to win the award, continuing an international reign that includes Giannis, Jokic, and Embiid.
Harden may have stats, accolades, and Hall of Fame credentials. But until he sheds the reputation for fading in the clutch, Skip Bayless and critics alike will keep yelling—loudly. And maybe, just maybe, they won’t be wrong.