Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden. Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden sets dreadful playoff record in Game 5 loss

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 5/2/24

James Harden is a future Hall of Famer and rightfully belongs on the NBA's 75th anniversary team. But his postseason flameouts warrant not a chapter but an entire book.

There was the 2012 NBA Finals when Harden scored in single digits in three of the five games. Then, there was Game 5 of the 2015 West Finals where Harden shot 2-of-11 and committed a playoff record 12 turnovers. Who could forget his disastrous showing in Game 6 of the second round versus the Spurs in 2017? Or most recently, his meltdown in Game 7 of the 2023 East semifinals against the Celtics?

Clippers fans had the displeasure of experiencing Harden's latest postseason flameout Wednesday as "The Beard" went 2-of-12 from the field in a critical Game 5 against the Mavericks.

James Harden tonight:

7 Points
7 Assists
4 Rebounds
2/12 FGM
1/7 3PM
-25 +/- pic.twitter.com/qDjKbgD5CK
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 2, 2024

All those horrific shooting nights have finally caught up with Harden, who now holds the record for the most playoff games in NBA history (11) shooting less than 20 percent from the floor (minimum 10 FGA).

With his 11th such outing Wednesday, Harden surpassed Celtics legend Bob Cousy for the dubious honor. If history is any indicator, Harden is a shoo-in to pile onto the record.