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Death, taxes, and the Beard coming up short in a Game 7.

Unfortunately for James Harden, his postseason reputation -- specifically in the biggest moments -- has once again preceded him.

DENVER, CO - MAY 3: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets  during Round 1 Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers got boat raced by the Denver Nuggets in Game 7Credit: Getty

The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 in the Mile High City after an uninspiring effort, in which they got throttled 120-101.

And even that final score makes the game look closer than it actually was.

The Clippers needed their two stars to come through.

Kawhi Leonard had a modest game, going for 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.

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Nowhere near his usual postseason performances.

However, Harden played about as well as everyone expected him to in a game of this magnitude.

By that, I mean horrific.

He finished with a pedestrian seven points on 2-8 attempts, but did manage 13 assists.

All in all, it was another Game 7 dud for Harden.

And ESPN's Kendrick Perkins let him have it on Monday morning during First Take.

Perkins isn't one to hold back whatever is on his mind
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Perkins isn't one to hold back whatever is on his mindCredit: X/@FIRSTTAKE
INGLEWOOD, CA - MAY 3:  James Harden #1 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers look on during Round One, Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets on May 3, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Leonard and Harden have a long offseason aheadCredit: Getty

"He's allergic to Game 7s," Perkins said.

"He breaks out in rashes. It's crazy to me how a guy goes from what he's done in Game 6 of this series, to all of a sudden just dropping down as if he don't give a damn.

"I don't want to say he don't care about the game, but it's like he's afraid of the moment.

"When you think about all-time greats, we think about what they do in the postseason, the championships, how they shine on the big stage.

"When you look at his history of Game 7's, he just folds like clean sheets."

Perk wasn't letting Harden off the hook.

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The former league MVP has lost a Game 7 with four different teams, including the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets.

In those four losses, he has averaged 17.5 points per game while shooting just 33.8% (22-of-65) from the floor.

He is 3-4 in Game 7s in his career.

But for whatever reason, as great of a career as Harden has had, he always seems to come up just short.

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When the lights are at their brightest, the Beard folds.

Unfortunately for the Rockets, getting rid of Harden did little to break their jinx as they fell to Steph Curry's Golden State Warriors for what feels like the 100th time.

Draymond Green gloats down the camera after huge Golden State Warriors win
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