The opening minutes of Game 4 were utterly dominated by the Golden State Warriors, to the tune of a 12-0 advantage that led many to unofficially pronounce the Houston Rockets dead. However, James Harden and company weren’t ready to go quietly into the night and the likely NBA MVP expressed that resilience with one particular play in the second quarter.
With the Rockets in the midst of a comeback, Harden drove left past Kevon Looney and toward defensive ace Draymond Green at the rim. Harden, who isn’t always known for explosive athleticism, ascended rapidly and, well, he put one of the league’s best defenders on a poster while drawing a foul and a three-point play.
OH MY GOD JAMES HARDEN https://t.co/JMeuXnTnPF
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) May 23, 2018
Harden’s dunk brought the Rockets within two points and, in conjunction, inspired quite a reaction in the basketball world. Obviously, his play counted for only three points but it was easily the highlight of a first half largely keyed by Golden State but saw Houston take a seven-point lead at the break. Beyond that, Harden’s slow start (and the sleepiness of the entire Rockets team) was essentially over the moment he thunder-dunked on Green and a largely disappointing series from an entertainment standpoint had an explosion to reflect on.
The Rockets face an uphill battle in Oakland but James Harden reminded everyone that he happens to be a tremendous athlete, in addition to being one of the most skilled players in the league.
