In the world of basketball, history often repeats itself in astonishingly similar yet unpredictable ways. As the ancient proverb goes, “Talented individuals emerge in every era, leading in various styles for centuries.” However, in this realm of basketball, brimming with talent and glory, one figure has always struggled to shake off the shadow—James Harden.
As the Clippers and Mavericks’ series reaches its pivotal Game 6, the Mavericks, holding the match point, seem to have caught a whiff of victory. Meanwhile, the Clippers, with their backs against the wall, must step up for honor and survival. In this crucial battle, Harden’s performance undoubtedly becomes the focal point of fans’ attention.
According to statistics, Harden’s playoff career record in Game 6 when trailing 2-3 is 1 win and 5 losses, with a winning percentage of only 16.7%. This figure, like a sharp sword, hangs over Harden’s head, constantly reminding him that his past glory seems to be slipping away. Looking back at those dusty records, Harden’s Game 6 battles have become the backdrop of great historical stories.
In the 2009-2010 season, in Game 6 between the Thunder and the Lakers, Harden scored 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists on 1-of-3 shooting as the Thunder lost 94-95 to the Lakers. In the 2012-2013 season, in Game 6 between the Rockets and the Thunder, Harden scored 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 7-of-22 shooting as the Rockets lost 94-103 to the Thunder. In the 2013-2014 season, in Game 6 between the Rockets and the Trail Blazers, Harden scored 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists on 9-of-15 shooting as the Rockets lost 98-99 to the Trail Blazers. In the 2014-2015 season, in Game 6 between the Rockets and the Clippers, Harden scored 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists on 5-of-20 shooting as the Rockets won 119-107 against the Clippers. In the 2016-2017 season, in Game 6 between the Rockets and the Spurs, Harden scored 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists on 2-of-11 shooting as the Rockets lost 75-114 to the Spurs. In the 2018-2019 season, in Game 6 between the Rockets and the Warriors, Harden scored 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 11-of-25 shooting as the Rockets lost 113-118 to the Warriors. In the 2021-2022 season, in Game 6 between the 76ers and the Heat, Harden scored 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists on 4-of-9 shooting as the 76ers lost 90-99 to the Heat. At that moment, Harden seemed helpless, only able to watch victory slip away from his grasp.
These historical records, like sharp swords, pierce Harden’s heart. He was once the unstoppable scoring king, the hero who led the Rockets to numerous comebacks. However, as the wheels of history roll forward, he seems to be gradually submerged in the river of time. Now, as the Clippers face another do-or-die situation, Harden’s performance will undoubtedly determine the course of the game. Can he break free from the shadow of history and overcome the curse of 1 win and 5 losses? Can he step up in crucial moments and lead the Clippers to victory?
Perhaps only time will tell. But regardless of the outcome, we hope that Harden can rediscover his former self, shining once again on the basketball stage for honor and survival. Because he was once the scoring king who drove us crazy; he was once the proud leader of the Rockets. Today, we still hope that he can create miracles once again, making us cheer and go crazy with excitement.