The Clippers and Warriors were eliminated one after another, the most regrettable thing is the hardest-working person

On May 15, on the NBA's competitive stage, every year's playoffs are like a cruel knockout match, and only the toughest and lucky team can reach the end. The 2025 playoffs are no exception. The two former champion favorites of the Clippers and Warriors have fallen in fierce competition one after another, which is a pity. Among these two teams, the most regrettable ones are those players who have tried their best but failed to realize their dreams - James Harden of the Clippers and Jimmy Butler of the Warriors.

Harden's career is full of glory and controversy. From the Thunder's super sixth man, to the Rockets' MVP, to the Nets and the 76ers, he is always chasing an ultimate goal - the championship. When joining the Clippers, many people thought it was his last chance. After all, the Clippers have top forward combinations like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, coupled with Harden's organizational skills and offensive threats, the team looks unstoppable. However, fate always seems to be joking with Harden. Leonard missed the key game again due to injury, George's form was fluctuating, while Harden carried the team's offensive banner and led the team forward with accurate passes and key scores. Unfortunately, in the Western Conference semi-finals, the Clippers eventually fell at the feet of the young Thunder. Harden tried his best and averaged quasi-triple double-double with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists per game, but he still couldn't change the ending.

In contrast, Leonard has already held two championship trophys and two FMVPs, and his career is already brilliant enough that even if he fails to go further this season, he will not leave much regret. Harden is different. His career has entered the end, and every failure means one step further away from his dream. His efforts and persistence are admirable, but reality cruelly tells him that basketball is a team sport after all, and it is difficult to shake the entire league's structure by one's own strength. The Warriors' exit is also a pity. As a dynasty team in the past decade, the Warriors' core lineup has gradually faded, with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green still fighting, but the team's competitiveness is no longer as good as before. This season, Jimmy Butler's joining has given Warriors fans new hope. Butler is known for his tough guy image. Whether in the Timberwolves, the 76ers or the Heat, he can infect his teammates with his tenacious fighting spirit. After coming to the Warriors, he quickly became the team's spiritual leader and contributed key performances on both sides of the offense and defense. However, the Warriors encountered the young Pelicans in the first round of the playoffs. Although Curry was still accurate and Butler fought to the last moment, the team's overall defense and rebounding disadvantage made them unable to make it possible.

Like Harden, Butler's career lacks a championship trophy. He led the Heat to the finals twice, but both failed. Joining the Warriors was another chance for him to win the championship, but unfortunately reality once again gave him a heavy blow. Curry has already won four championships in hand, and his historical status is undisputed. Even if he fails to go further this season, it will not affect his legendary career. But for Butler, every failure means that he is farther away from his dream. His fighting spirit is worthy of respect, but the window for the championship is gradually closing. In the history of the NBA, there are always some players who are destined to miss the championship. For example, Carl Malone, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson have top personal abilities, but they have never been able to reach the top. Harden and Butler now seem to be repeating this fate. Their efforts and persistence are moving, but the cruelty of competitive sports is that efforts cannot always be rewarded.

Perhaps, this is the charm of basketball - it is not only about victory, but also about the souls that are still indomitable in failure. The story of Harden and Butler is not over yet, and they still have a chance to make a comeback next season. But for fans, the most regrettable thing is that those who work hardest are often closest to their dreams, but are also the easiest to be tricked by fate.