Did Tyronn Lue Run ‘The Beard’ Into the Ground? Inside the Clippers’ Costly Mistake
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the postseason last season knowing James Harden would be critical to their success, yet the way he was deployed has left lingering questions. Head coach Tyronn Lue recently admitted that the coaching staff pushed Harden beyond his limits, citing wear and tear as the main reason for his playoff struggles. The Clippers had been aware even before the season began that Harden’s body could not be stretched to its breaking point. Still, once the postseason arrived, the reliance on him became nearly unavoidable.
Harden’s minutes tell the story more clearly than words. Over the last four games of the regular season, he logged 166 minutes, a heavy load for a player already approaching the playoffs on tired legs. Just days later, Lue and his staff relied on him for 276 postseason minutes in a single week against the Denver Nuggets, an exhausting workload that seemed unsustainable. By the later stages of the series, Harden’s energy was noticeably diminished, and his efficiency fell as defenses forced him into difficult situations. The same player who produced an All-NBA regular season could not replicate that dominance once fatigue set in.
Lue’s acknowledgment that Harden was overused has broader implications for the team’s future. A clear shift in strategy is expected next season, with Harden’s usage rate declining in favor of a more balanced approach. Chris Paul, whose role was already significant, will likely see his responsibilities grow as he takes on more ball-handling duties and playmaking opportunities. Increased shot attempts and assist totals for Paul seem almost inevitable, as the coaching staff works to ensure Harden remains fresher deep into the year.
The Clippers’ focus is now on long-term preservation rather than short-term bursts. Harden will still carry stretches of the offense, yet the emphasis will be on pacing him for the postseason. If Lue and Paul succeed in streamlining Harden’s responsibilities, the veteran guard could be positioned to finally overcome the late-season fatigue that has haunted him. By 2026, the hope is that Harden will have enough stamina to push the Clippers further in the playoffs. The team is betting that calculated sacrifice now can translate into meaningful victories later.