James Harden now holds record for MOST playoff games without an NBA title

Boston Celtics star Al Horford held the previous record with 186 games.

James Harden now holds record for MOST playoff games without an NBA title

Los Angeles Clippers superstar James Harden now holds record for most playoff games without an NBA title after Al Horford won it yesterday

Now that the Boston Celtics are the 2024 NBA champions, the wait is over for their veteran leader Al Horford. Entering the NBA Finals, Horford held the record for the most playoff games played without winning an NBA title. With the Celtics’ victory, he is now an NBA champion, and the record for the most playoff games without a title has passed to Los Angeles Clippers superstar James Harden.

Al Horford held the record of 186 games until he hoisted his first NBA title after yesterday’s Game 5 win over the Dallas Mavericks. The achievement was such a relief after spending 17 seasons in the NBA and the victory meant so much to him that even his son was in tears as the final buzzer sounded. Now that Horford is the champion, James Harden is the new reigning record holder. Harden has played 166 playoff games without an NBA title.

The record is among active players, with the next in line being Chris Paul with 149 games. However, Harden still has the benefit of being on a Los Angeles Clippers squad who looked like they could easily win the title last season. Unfortunately, an injury to Kawhi Leonard and subsequent disjointed play saw the Clippers exit in the first round of the playoffs.

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James Harden has claimed that he loves basketball more than anything. Therefore, it will be hard for him to digest if he ends up among the top four players all-time who have not won an NBA title despite playing this many playoff games.

James Harden needs to stay in LA if he wants to win an NBA title

James Harden will be 35 years old before the next season starts. The time available for him to win an NBA championship while still being one of the best players on the floor is diminishing. More importantly, championship contenders are aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with signing the former league MVP.

Therefore, it is wise for the 10-time All-Star to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers. More importantly, his deal should help the franchise retain the other All-Stars on their roster. Only then can Harden ensure that his championship window remains open. If his contract demands push either Paul George or Russell Westbrook to seek deals elsewhere, it could jeopardize his plans.

After all, the quartet along with strong role players are potential championship contenders. All they have to do is figure out what went wrong in the second half of the season and, more importantly, hope that Kawhi Leonard stays healthy.

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