Jan 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) reacts after forward Kawhi Leonard (2) scores three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) reacts after forward Kawhi Leonard (2) scores three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden is known for many things. He is, however, not recognized as an elite defender in the league. Well, it appears that the former NBA MVP wanted to twist this narrative a bit on Wednesday night as the Clippers took on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center.

The only problem is that Harden showcased his defensive prowess against his own teammate, Kawhi Leonard.

Los Angeles Clippers Star James Harden Contests Kawhi Leonard’s 3-Point Attempt

Los Angeles Clippers, James HardenFeb 5, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; LA guard James H (1) reacts after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

 

 

Harden drove to the basket in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game. As usual, the defense gravitated toward the 10-time All-Star as he made his way to the cup. Harden then kicked the ball out to a wide-open Leonard in the corner.

Apparently, Harden thought Kawhi was too open:

 

I’m not entirely sure what Harden was doing here. It’s either he was celebrating what he felt was a sure-fire triple from Leonard by jokingly attempting to block his shot or his brain really went into sleep mode for a few seconds.

If it’s the former, then it appears that Harden provided enough of a distraction to force Kawhi to miss a wide-open corner trey. If it’s the latter, however, then that’s just downright embarrassing.
Fantasy Basketball must addMar 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA forward Kawhi L shoots against Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
 

 

Whatever the case might be, this is going to be Harden’s latest entry for Shaqtin’ a Fool. The 34-year-old veteran has had more than a few of them through the years, but this one has got to be up there with the best of them.

Never change, James.
Los Angeles Clippers, James HardenMar 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA guard James H (1) celebrates after a basket during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY SportsLos Angeles’ James H