NBA Fans Troll James Harden Over Video of Clippers Star Trying to Block Kawhi Leonard

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVMarch 21, 2024

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

James Harden momentarily let his intrusive thoughts win during the Los Angeles Clippers’ 116-103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

During the third quarter, Harden intentionally closed out on teammate Kawhi Leonard in the corner and attempted to block Leonard’s three-point attempt. Fortunately for Los Angeles, the possession still ended in a made bucket after Harden found a wide-open Amir Coffey on the perimeter.

Some fans were left perplexed by what the 10-time All-Star was thinking.

Arlos Sara @ArlosNiciasThe real reason why James Harden tried to block Kawhi pic.twitter.com/hQDeQZTvcA

christopher. @316christopheri keep watching this trying to figure out if harden forgot where he was and thought he was in a drill or something or if he thought it would just be a cool highlight if kawhi made it? i’m lost https://t.co/nn6hKslFyy

Joe O @JoeFromStCloudThat’s James Harden’s hand attempting to block Kawhi Leonard’s three-point attempt last night, which he missed

Positive: That’s some of the best defense James Harden has ever played

Negative: Harden and Leonard are teammates pic.twitter.com/dkFDncRdmH

That Guy @TooFlyFree23No way James Harden contested Kawhi Leonard’s three point shot last night 😂😂😂😂…

Luke Dougherty @lukedougherty99Tbh Harden is just making sure Kawhi doesn’t get used to an open look. He’ll need to hit those contested j’s in the playoffs. Championship level play by The Beard. https://t.co/7xWJoBi1z0 pic.twitter.com/wjN9R8Ox5l

Harden told reporters he was generally trying to lighten the mood in the locker room and give the team something to laugh about.

Law Murray 🧭 @LawMurrayTheNUJames Harden on closing out on Kawhi

Fun Team! pic.twitter.com/kZhL22aXQU

It’s not totally unheard of for Harden to be covertly working as a sleeper agent against his own team; it’s just that it’s typically reserved for whenever he has requested a trade or in the postseason.