The playoff struggles of James Harden against the Denver Nuggets, particularly in the backend of the series, were undeniable, and this was the primary reason the LA Clippers were sent home in the first round. Game six confirmed this, as the former MVP posted 28 points, and unsurprisingly, when he succeeds, the Clippers win.
Furthermore, if any other player were struggling, superstar or not, head coach Tyronn Lue would have benched them. Experience, ego, and status do not matter to Lue, as he cannot risk an exit, especially in the first round after winning 50 regular-season contests.