Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“I’m gonna do it” – Clippers Superstar James Harden Drops Honest Statement on Playing Heavy Minutes vs. Nuggets

James Harden has averaged 40.2 minutes per game against the Denver Nuggets in the first-round playoff series.

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a solid comeback in the first-round playoff series after two straight defeats and secured a crucial 111-105 victory to force Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets. James Harden led the Clippers with 28 points and guided the Clippers to a potential chance of clinching the playoffs series.

Playing in his 16th year, James Harden played over 47 minutes in the game, but he kept the series alive for the Clippers. It won’t be easy to counter fatigue in the fourth quarter. We witnessed this during the Lakers’ defeat against the Wolves a couple of days back when JJ Redick didn’t make a substitute in the second half.

James Harden has the 5th most 25/5/5 playoff games by a guard in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/2FsTYgj8pO
— Real Sports (@realapp_) May 2, 2025

Also Read: Warriors vs. Rockets Preview – Steph Curry, Warriors Eye Series Win Amid Houston’s Momentum Surge

Harden Pushes to Play Heavy Minutes in Game 7 If Team Needs Him

During the post-game, James Harden was asked about his playing time in Game 6. The 11-time All-Star believed he had to do it every time according to his team’s requirements.

“Got to. Have to. Have to. It is what it is. It’s a part of it. Whatever the team needs. If it’s 47, 48, overtime, whatever. I’m gonna do it,” Harden told reporters postgame.

James Harden says he has another 47-48 minutes in him for Game 7:

“Got to. Have to. Have to. It is what it is. It’s a part of it. Whatever the team needs. If it’s 47, 48, overtime, whatever. I’m gonna do it.” pic.twitter.com/O2c6KSqLHb
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) May 2, 2025

James Harden finished with 28 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals on 10-for-20 shooting from the field. Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac also recorded in double figures. The Beard was all over the Nuggets in opening half and scored 21 points on 70% shooting.

Los Angeles Clippers coach Ty Lue was also impressed with Harden’s strength and said via SI’s Joey Linn, “Very impressed. He wants to play every night. He’s in great shape. He trains for these moments. He wants to play. He wanted to play, he wanted to compete, and he brought us home tonight.

Ty Lue on James Harden playing 47 minutes in year 16:

“Very impressed. He wants to play every night. He’s in great shape. He trains for these moments. He wants to play… He wanted to play, he wanted to compete, and he brought us home tonight.”
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) May 2, 2025

Harden also created NBA history during the Clippers’ win as he moved up to 12th all-time in career playoff steals (279), surpassing Clyde Drexler. He is now trailing Chris Paul, who holds the 11th spot with 287 career playoff steals.

James Harden has averaged 40.2 minutes per game against the Denver Nuggets in the first-round playoff series. However, it wasn’t an issue for the 35-year-old superstar and he always came out as a top performer for the team.

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.