James Harden is having another MVP-worthy season as he's averaged 36.1 points per game. His team, the Houston Rockets, are currently battling the Utah Jazz in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and took a 2-0 lead in the series last night. The Rockets won the game easily by a score of 118-98, although it was something Harden did during the game that ended up being the biggest storyline. By now, we all know just how good Harden is at crossing people up and humiliating them. He did it to Kent Bazemore this season and last year, it was Wesley Johnson who was his victim.
On Wednesday night, Harden almost turned Ricky Rubio into a laughing stock, although he spoke too soon. Harden juked Rubio into a whole other dimension and then shimmied before taking a wide-open three-point shot. In the past, Harden has always made these shot but this time, he hit nothing but rim. Clearly not the result he was hoping for.
Despite the momentary embarrassment, Harden probably didn't care too much as he scored 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists for the triple-double.
The series will now head to Utah for games three and four. The Rockets will have an opportunity to end the series with two straight victories away from home.