Watch: James Harden Channels Michael Jordan, Pulls Off NBA Move of the Year
That just wasn’t right.
What James Harden did to Wesley Johnson last night was beyond embarrassing — it bordered on criminal.
For the second time this season, the Rockets were already on their way to their 14th straight win.
Harden is expected to win his first MVP award, with Houston looming as the one legitimate challenger to Golden State’s NBA supremacy. And still, “The Beard” beat Johnson like he committed a crime.
WARNING: If you haven’t seen this, you may want to avert your eyes.
😳 JAMES. HARDEN. 😳#Rockets pic.twitter.com/JCphxLzP18
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2018
The move reminded some of Michael Jordan’s famous shot against Bryon Russell in what has been called the defining moment of Russell’s career:
Now in fairness to Johnson, he really shouldn’t be guarding Harden — a point that was painfully obvious.
The Beard is two inches taller, roughly 100 times quicker, and well, just better.
We should give Williams some credit for being a good sport. Check out his reaction while he’s sprawled out on the floor.
Best angle of Harden forgetting that Wes Johnson has a family, and check Johnson’s look back at JH pic.twitter.com/O9TJ29sYJn
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) March 1, 2018
Harden’s reaction was nearly as good. He had to laugh before answering a question about the move.
James Harden had to laugh before he even responded 😂 pic.twitter.com/cjIm9utvv6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 1, 2018
If, as he says, James had that in his bag all year, he certainly picked the right time to unleash it.
The move was so dirty that we know Isaiah Thomas was speaking for every other player in the NBA.
Isaiah Thomas on James Harden’s crossover last night: “He sat him down as my kids would say… I’m just glad I’m not that guy that fell” pic.twitter.com/DhFthwKt6Z
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 1, 2018
“I’m just glad that I’m not that guy that fell.”
Yes, that’s going to be Wesley Johnson’s new identity — the guy that fell.
At least he’ll be remembered … even if he can’t walk with broken ankles.
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