Watch: Clippers guard James Harden goes off for 15 points in first quarter against Nuggets

Harden found his rhythm with multiple drives to the paint. He found guard Kris Dunn for a corner three with a no-look pass after Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon collapsed to help once Harden got past guard Jamal Murray.

He scored twice on pick-and-rolls with center Ivica Zubac and also made a bucket on an isolation possession against Murray.

His sizzling first quarter was a continuation of his strong end to the 2024-25 season. 

Los Angeles won eight in a row entering the playoffs, and during that span, Harden averaged 25.1 points and 9.5 assists per game on 50 percent shooting, including 37.3 percent on three-point attempts.

Harden averaged 22.8 points per game this season, a marked improvement from his 16.6 points per game in 2023-24, his lowest since the 16-year NBA veteran's second season. 

With Harden and forward Kawhi Leonard turning back the clock with vintage performances this season, the Clippers could make a run through the Western Conference to reach the first NBA Finals in franchise history.

Harden's problem is never about how he starts but how he finishes. He's authored several season-ending clunkers during his career. In his final games the past three years, Harden has averaged 12 points per game on 33.3 percent shooting.

If the Clippers want to win their first NBA title, Harden can't have that type of game. He'll need to duplicate his first quarter against the Nuggets.