James Harden issues major warning to NBA ahead of Clippers vs Nuggets Game 3

One of the most intriguing matchups in the opening round of the NBA playoffs features the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets—two elite teams packed with superstars, each battling for a spot in the Western Conference semifinals. James Harden, a key figure for the Clippers, sent a bold message about his expectations for the postseason.

“We got a chance to be the last team standing,” Harden said in a recent interview with Andscape, referring to the Clippers‘ championship aspirations. Still, the guard acknowledged: “Is easier said than done. But we focus on ourselves.”

James has plenty of reason to believe in his squad, especially considering their strong finish to the regular season and their performance in the first two playoff games against the Nuggets. With the series tied 1-1 and two games still to come at Intuit Dome, momentum is up for grabs.

“We are playing well right now… I think we got the team,” Harden said, before highlighting the Clippers’ main strengths. “We can play isolation basketball with two great ISO players. We got postgame with Zu (Ivica Zubac) and Whi (Kawhi Leonard). Defensively, we’ve been really, really good all year.”

James Harden and Kawhi Leonard playing with the Los Angeles Clippers.

With the stakes this high, the 35-year-old guard knows he has to deliver as well. “For me, it’s about just keeping my composure, just going out there and reading the game and doing what I am supposed to be doing,” he explained.

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James Harden’s last chance?

James Harden is undoubtedly one of the most impactful players in the NBA this century. Now in his 16th season, he’s built a legacy filled with milestones: second all-time in made three-pointers, 11th in total points, and 13th in total assists. He was also named league MVP in 2018, won Sixth Man of the Year in 2012, and led the NBA in scoring three times and in assists twice.

But on the team front, there’s a glaring omission—Harden has never won an NBA championship. And at 35, his window is narrowing. That makes this postseason one of his final real chances to capture a title, something that’s reflected in the intensity of his play.

After carrying the Clippers through much of the regular season amid Kawhi Leonard’s injury struggles, Harden continues to shine in the playoffs. Through the first two games against Denver, he’s averaging 25 points, 9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds—proving just how vital he is to the team’s title hopes.