It s not accidental, why is Harden s key battle "laughing"? Four major reasons have been found, I should reflect on it

On the NBA stage, James Harden has always been a highly anticipated existence. His performance in the regular season is at the level of a superstar, but when it comes to a key battle, doubts come like a tide. Behind this is the result of the combined effect of multiple factors such as technical characteristics, psychological quality, age and injury, and tactical environment.

First, in terms of psychological quality and spiritual attributes, Harden lacks resistance to stress, desire for victory and loss and leadership. In the 2025 World War against the Nuggets, he only made 9 moves. When the score was anxious, he chose to pass rather than attack; in the 2018 Western Conference Finals, he led the Warriors 3-2. After Paul was injured, he failed to take on the responsibility of the leader and often avoided interviews after losing. These have become the "black spots" that have been criticized.

Secondly, in terms of technical characteristics and style of play, Harden relies on free throws and three-point shooting, and the referee's penalty standards were tightened, and his efficiency dropped sharply. In the 2025 series against the Nuggets, the average free throws average was only 3.8, and the three-point shooting rate fell to 36.4%. The lack of mid-range technology allowed the opponent to defend targetedly. The regular season play style also led to his lack of physical fitness in the playoffs, and he failed to score a single point in the second half of the tiebreak in 2025.

Furthermore, the opponent's targeted defense also puts Harden in trouble. In the 2025 Western Conference semi-finals, the Nuggets forced him to make mistakes and rely on role players to end the offense; in the face of high-intensity close-fitting defense in the playoffs, his breakthrough disadvantage was fully demonstrated, with a shooting percentage of only 23% against the Mavericks series.

Then, in terms of team and tactical adaptation, Harden's role positioning conflicts in teams such as the Clippers, and the scoring gap cannot be filled at critical moments. In 2025, he played against the Nuggets G7, but scored only 7 points with 13 assists. His record of 3 wins and 12 losses in his life and death battle also formed negative psychological hints, further affecting his performance.

Although Harden occasionally has highlights, such as G6 scored 28 points in 2025, it lacks sustainability. His split image of "regular season superstar" and "playoff supporting role" is deeply imprinted in the hearts of fans. If he wants to break the curse of key battles, Harden himself must reflect carefully and seek breakthroughs in offensive methods, physical management and psychological construction. Otherwise, this dilemma may accompany him throughout his career.