The best players in the NBA all seem to have a signature, deadly move. Kevin Durant has the rip-through, Dirk Nowitzki has his crazy step-back, Tim Duncan has his timeless bank-shot, and Chris Paul has his crossover. James Harden, in addition to vaulting himself into top-10 players status and MVP contention, now belongs in this category with his step-back jumper.
Others have mastered the step-back, but none execute it like Harden. What’s more, the step-back is the epitome of what makes Harden great. Defenders can’t play off him too much, because he’s such a great shooter. Play him too close, and he’ll drive to the rim, more than likely drawing a foul on his way there. His handles are so good that a simple crossover gives him an added dose of space and time because it throws the defender off balance.
It’s the perfect move for a player like Harden, and it’s quickly becoming the most unstoppable play in the league.
He’s used it to seal games:
And to win them outright at the buzzer:
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