The Los Angeles Clippers were knocked out of the playoffs on Saturday, suffering a crushing defeat in their Game 7 showdown with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets triumphed 120-101, dominating the game and securing a spot in the next round, where they’ll face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
For the Clippers, it was a devastating way to end their season, and star player James Harden appeared visibly affected by the loss. In the wake of the defeat, Harden made the decision to leave Ball Arena immediately, skipping his usual post-game interview.
Harden’s choice not to address the media rubbed many Clippers fans the wrong way, leading to sharp criticism of the former NBA MVP’s behavior.
One fan on X expressed, “Just a disgusting and shameless mentality.”
Another said, “I’m grateful for what he did this season to get us to the playoffs, but not answering after a loss? I thought he was a leader?”
A third user pointed out, “Three horrible performances = runs away. One good performance = happy to talk.”
A fan reacted by stating, “$40 million a year and less accountability than a high school coach making $4k.”
“Bruh, come on James,” another comment read.
Some fans took a stronger stance, with one declaring, “That’s fine. Get him off my team.”
This isn’t the first time in this series that Harden has refused to speak with the media after a tough loss. He also skipped interviews after the Clippers’ defeats in Games 4 and 5.
Harden’s future with the Clippers remains uncertain, as he holds a player option for next season. If he decides to leave Los Angeles this summer, fans may have seen the last of Harden in a Clippers uniform.