James Harden finished with 11 points, two rebounds and three assists while shooting 2-6 from the field in 20 minutes of playing time.
NBA fans react to James Harden’s performance against the Heat
After the loss, NBA fans turned to Harden and criticized his terrible performance.
Justin Rousseau: “It started early too. Harden’s attention to detail early tonight was nowhere near the level the team needed. Coming out late to compete at times, not tracking his man and getting beat on the offensive glass, etc. Games like this happen. But, man.”
@YoungKingFOE: “James Harden please wake up TF”
@JamesSm94646303: “James Harden is doing absolutely nothing!”
Many fans pointed out that Harden finished the game as -39, which is a terrible +/-.
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Some fans also wondered if Harden’s days with the Clippers might be numbered.
@ajaybolt0: “James Harden’s done and it’s time to blow it up for the #Clippers #nba”
@SayTreo: “So James Harden gave up”
Sheesh, that was a good move
James Harden ➡️ Ivica Zubac pic.twitter.com/cNIWIgf3aV
– LA Clippers (@LAClippers) 2 December 2025
Harden entered the night averaging 27.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.1 steals per contest, while shooting 43.7% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range.
The 2018 NBA MVP is in his third season playing for the Clippers (after stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers).
As ClutchPoints noted before the game): “James Harden’s 17-year streak of playing in the playoffs is officially in jeopardy if the Clippers can’t flip the script soon. The struggles are escalating. The offense looks stagnant, the defense hasn’t found its rhythm, and the chemistry isn’t clicking the way it should. If nothing changes, Beard could miss the postseason for the first time in his entire career.” “The pressure is rising in LA.”
With the loss, the Clippers fell to 5-16 in 21 games, and they are currently the 14th seed in the Western Conference. They are going through a losing streak in five consecutive matches.
After the loss to the Heat, the Clippers play their next game on Wednesday night when they visit Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks.
As for the Heat, they improved to 14-7 in 21 games, which gives them the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
It remains to be seen whether the Clippers can right the ship and battle for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference or whether Harden will miss the postseason for the first time in his NBA career.
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