James Harden Is Sinking the Clippers and There’s No Saving This Mess

James Harden was once feared as one of the most dominant scorers in the NBA, but in 2025, that fear has turned into frustration for Clippers fans. In their 119-112 loss to the Indiana Pacers on February 6, Harden’s mediocre 22-point performance wasn’t enough to stop the team from spiraling to their third straight defeat. While Norman Powell also put up 22 points and Kawhi Leonard added 19, the Clippers’ early momentum completely vanished after the first quarter, exposing their lack of consistency and Harden’s glaring decline.

Where Is the Real James Harden?

For years, Harden was a walking bucket, effortlessly dropping 30, 40, or even 50 points in his prime. But now he’s struggling to carry the weight of expectations. He still puts up stats, but statistics don’t tell the full story. His inefficiency, lack of defensive effort, and inability to take over games when it matters most have turned him into more of a burden than a superstar.

Against the Pacers, Harden failed to elevate the Clippers when they needed him most. After a hot start, the team collapsed in the second half, including a crippling 14-0 run by Indiana that sealed the game. Once again, Harden’s iso-heavy style and lack of explosiveness hurt the Clippers rather than helped them.

A Superstar Without Superstar Impact

It’s easy to look at Harden’s 22 points and assume he had a good game, but real Clippers fans know the truth—he’s not making the impact that a player of his caliber should. He is no longer a dominant scorer. His signature step-back three isn’t as deadly, and defenders aren’t biting like they used to. He is a defensive liability. His lack of effort on that end has always been an issue, but it’s only getting worse. He disappears in big moments. He fails to take control when the team needs him most, while role players try to pick up the slack.

Is Harden Holding the Clippers Back?

This loss raises a serious question—do the Clippers need to move on from James Harden? The team has championship aspirations, but with three straight losses and no clear leadership, they look more like a first-round exit waiting to happen.

Fans are already turning on him. Social media is filled with frustration and disappointment. Many believe this is not the Harden the Clippers were promised. Some argue that the team traded for him, but they are getting Houston Rockets-era problems without Houston Rockets-era dominance. Others are calling for immediate action, insisting that Harden is past his prime and should be traded before it’s too late.

Is This the Beginning of the End?

James Harden has built his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, but his days as a true superstar might be over. The Clippers took a risk bringing him in, hoping he could be the missing piece. Instead, he’s becoming the problem. If Harden can’t step up soon, the Clippers might have to make a tough decision before the season slips away.