James Harden Just Humiliated Evan Mobley and the Internet Can’t Handle It

James Harden continues to deliver on the court, racking up impressive stats and solidifying his place as one of the NBA’s most dominant guards. But with every standout performance, a lingering debate grows stronger—is Harden truly as great as his numbers suggest, or is he one of the most overrated superstars in NBA history?

Unstoppable on Paper, Unconvincing in Legacy?

Night after night, Harden puts up elite numbers. With another 31-point, 10-rebound, 7-assist game in the Clippers’ latest victory, his impact is undeniable. But critics argue that these stats don’t translate into true championship-caliber greatness. The question remains: do Harden’s numbers actually mean anything when it comes to winning at the highest level?

Harden’s career has been built on incredible individual performances—multiple scoring titles, an MVP award, and over a decade of highlight-reel moments. But what’s missing? The ultimate prize: an NBA championship. Unlike other superstars who have cemented their legacies with rings, Harden remains ringless, and for many, that’s the defining factor of his career.

Playoff Disappearances Fuel the Debate

When it comes to regular-season dominance, few can match Harden’s production. But the playoffs tell a different story. Throughout his career, Harden has been criticized for falling short when it matters most.

2017 Western Conference Semifinals: Harden’s Rockets had a golden opportunity to take down the Spurs, but in Game 6, he delivered a shocking 10-point performance, committing six turnovers.

2018 Western Conference Finals Houston had the Warriors on the ropes, but after Chris Paul’s injury, Harden failed to step up, missing 27 consecutive three-pointers in a crucial Game 7.

2020 Playoff Bubble: While other stars thrived, Harden’s Rockets fell to the Lakers in disappointing fashion, with critics pointing to his lack of killer instinct.

Brooklyn & Philadelphia Stints Despite playing alongside multiple All-Stars, he failed to capitalize on deep playoff runs, further damaging his reputation as a postseason player.

These playoff moments fuel the argument that Harden is a regular-season superstar but a postseason liability.

Does Harden Elevate His Teammates?

Another key argument against Harden’s legacy is the impact he has on his teammates. While many all-time greats make those around them better, Harden’s style has often been labeled as “selfish basketball.”

During his time in Houston, players like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook struggled to fit alongside him.

His Brooklyn experiment alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving ended in disappointment, as reports surfaced about chemistry issues and frustration with Harden’s playing style.

In Philadelphia, his pairing with Joel Embiid was supposed to dominate, but instead, it ended with a shocking Game 7 collapse against the Celtics and another offseason trade request from Harden.

Now with the Clippers, Harden is once again surrounded by elite talent in Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook. If this team fails to make a deep playoff run, will Harden finally be forced to face the reality that his presence doesn’t guarantee success?

Shifting the blame or facing the truth?

A common theme in Harden’s career is his tendency to shift the blame. Whether it’s coaching, teammates, or front-office decisions, he has never taken full responsibility for his lack of championship success.

In Houston, he demanded multiple co-stars, only to have issues with every single one of them.

In Brooklyn, he left citing “an unstable situation,” despite the fact that he helped create that instability.

In Philadelphia, he clashed with the organization, forcing yet another trade.

At what point does Harden accept that he might be the problem?

The MVP vs. Championship Debate

The NBA has seen many great players who dominate statistically but fail to win it all. Players like Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and Steve Nash are remembered as legends, but their lack of rings separate them from the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

Harden’s career is heading in the same direction. He has the individual accolades, but without a championship, he will always be placed in a lower tier of greatness.

What Defines True Greatness?

There’s a growing divide between modern NBA fans and old-school basketball purists on how to define greatness. Many argue that the NBA has evolved, and stats should matter more than rings. Others believe that no matter how talented a player is, if they can’t deliver in the playoffs, they’ll never be considered among the all-time greats.

Harden’s supporters point to his durability, scoring prowess, and ability to adapt his game over the years.

His critics argue that no matter how impressive his stats are, the true greats step up in the biggest moments—and Harden has consistently failed to do so.

Is the Clippers’ experiment Harden’s last shot?

At 34 years old, Harden is running out of time. The Clippers have assembled a roster that looks like a championship contender on paper, but we’ve seen this story before. Superteams don’t always work, and if Harden flames out in the playoffs yet again, his reputation may never recover.

The Clippers currently sit among the top teams in the West, but the real test will come in April, May, and June. If they crash out early, the narrative surrounding Harden will only get worse.

Final Verdict: Is Harden’s Greatness Overstated?

Harden’s numbers are undeniably elite, but numbers alone don’t define a legacy. Until he proves he can deliver when it matters most, the criticism will never go away. His fans will defend him, his critics will attack him, and history will decide whether he’s an all-time great or just another elite stat-padder.

With the Clippers’ season heating up, all eyes are on Harden. Will he finally silence the doubters, or will another disappointing playoff run add fuel to the fire? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the debate over his legacy isn’t ending anytime soon.

What’s Next for Harden?

As Harden’s career inches closer to its twilight, his every move is being dissected more than ever. The 2024–25 season could be his defining moment. If he finally wins a championship, his entire legacy will shift. But if he fails again, expect the criticism to reach an all-time high.

Basketball history is brutal to players who don’t deliver in the biggest moments. Will Harden be remembered as a revolutionary offensive genius, or just another star who never got over the hump?

One thing’s for sure—the pressure has never been higher.