James Harden plays defense, contrary to popular belief.
With the Los Angeles Clippers Up 81-60 over the Portland Trail Blazers with 4:25 left in the third quarter, Harden decided to have some fun on offense – and defense.
Harden drew baseline defender Dalano Banton, which freed up teammate Kawhi Leonard for an open 3-pointer. But instead of Banton blocking Leonard’s shot, Harden took matters into his own hands.
Leonard missed the shot and appeared to look in Harden’s direction with his arms flailing.
“I have to bring some enthusiasm to this team,” Harden said in a post-match interview in the locker room explaining the moment. “I think the last few weeks have been a fog for us and I think every team goes through it. So I think it’s just me trying to create a good energy, a good atmosphere.
“Maybe it would have been better if he made the shot, that gives us something to laugh about.”
The Clippers, currently fourth in a crowded Western Conference, had won just one of five games in poor form before dominating Portland 116-103 on the road.
Harden scored 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting overall, along with 14 assists, four rebounds and a block.
Leonard, meanwhile, recorded 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting overall, four rebounds, four steals and two assists. He shot 1 of 3 from distance, but perhaps he could have added another mark without Harden’s help.
The Clippers’ next game will be in Portland again on Friday, March 22.
