All Clippers

Lakers Legends Makes Big James Harden Criticism

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal offered his opinion on why Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden can't win in the playoffs
Will Despart|
Apr 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game five of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Apr 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game five of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles Clippers

James Harden may have been named Third-Team All-NBA this week, but his recent shortcoming in yet another Game 7 loss in the first round has fans and even NBA stars questioning his credentials. Posting just seven points and 13 assists in an elimination game, it didn't help his case at all.

On a recent episode of his 'Big Podcast', four-time NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal explained why he believes Harden tends to shrink in the biggest postseason moments.

"When you care, I can see it in your eyes," O'Neal said. "We had a couple game sevens, people didn't step up, and I already knew they weren't going to step up because it's the topic of conversation." While O'Neal might've stepped up, the case hasn't been the same with Harden, as he shared.

"If you have the I don't care attitude, you're gonna take 30 shots, not (expletive) eight," O'Neal added. "When he was playing, I could tell he cares what people say. You're a Hall of Famer, you still make that money, but you care people say. You're just adding to your narrative."

Harden has a 3-4 career record in Game 7s overall, though he's lost four of his last five dating back to his 2018 MVP season. Harden's 19.3 points per game in Game 7s are down nearly five points from his regular season career average of 24.1 points per game.

On the other hand, O'Neal went 3-1 in his four career Game 7 appearances. O'Neal's lone Game 7 loss came at the hands of the Detroit Pistons in the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals, despite O'Neal leading all scorers with 27 points on 12-of-19 shooting.

Related Articles

Clippers Legend Calls For Change In Denver Following Playoff Elimination

Ex-Clippers, Lakers Guard Reveals Mistake NBA Teams Make

Norman Powell Reveals Bittersweet Truth of Toronto Raptors Trade

Published
Will Despart
WILL DESPART

Will Despart is a Las Vegas-based sportswriter who covers the NBA for OnSI. He also writes for Ballislife and handles multiple beats for The Sporting Tribune, including the Las Vegas Aces and Las Vegas Raiders. His reporting has been featured in newspapers across the country through the Field Level Media news wire.

Share on XFollow WillDespart
Home/News