James Harden is a different kind of guy. He dances to his own beat, seems more comfortable going his own way.
Cool. Whatever. He's considered one of the best shooting guards of all-time, so he can pretty much do what he likes.
But do you think he maybe took the meaning of his position a little too literally when trying to, uh, guard, Los Angeles Clippers teammate Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers?
The announcers don't acknowledge it, so it had you thinking maybe he was just having a laugh. Maybe Leonard and Harden do that in shoot-arounds all the time. Maybe this was a trick play.
As you might suspect, Harden had his own reasons.
"I was trying to bring some excitement to this team," Harden explained to reporters after the game. "I think these last few weeks have been a fog for us. I think every team goes through it. So, I think it was just me trying to create energy, create a great vibe for this team. Maybe it would've been better if he had made the shot, but give them something to laugh about, some excitement."
By the way, the Clippers beat the Blazers, 116-103. Harden had 19 points and 14 assists. Leonard missed this three-pointer but did manage 24 points while seemingly not dealing with Harden's blocks.
The Clippers ran their record to 43-25 with the win, good for fourth in the West.
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