James Harden's Attempt to Draw a Foul in Game's Final Seconds Goes Horribly Wrong
Houston Rockets superstar James Harden has made a career out of drawing fouls. This year, he has taken 556 free throws, which is about 100 more than anyone else.
In each of the last four seasons, Harden has led the league in free throws attempted.
So he’s used to getting the whistle.
But Tuesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, he was a bit too overconfident that he would get a call.
With time running out in the fourth quarter and the Rockets trailing 118-114, Harden dribbled up the right side of the court.
He was being guarded by Jrue Holiday, who he was trying to go around. But Holiday, an excellent defender, stayed in front of him with his arms straight up.
Harden actually pushed off Holiday, but he acted like he was bumped and ran out of bounds with the ball.
Harden thought he got fouled so he just ran out of bounds ? pic.twitter.com/n2ibbWKtkW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 30, 2019
He held his hands up pleading with the refs for a foul, but there was no foul on the play. It was ruled out of bounds and a turnover on Harden.
New Orleans got the ball back with 15 seconds and Holiday made a couple of free throws to seal the 121-116 win in Houston.
The Pelicans were playing without their star, Anthony Davis, so it was a big upset.
“Jrue Holiday is probably one of the best defenders in the league, if not the best,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said, reported ESPN. “Obviously, he did a heck of a job on him.”
James Harden was invited to Jrue Holiday’s block party last night! ?? pic.twitter.com/CRdSc2RYpj
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 30, 2019
Holiday had 19 points, eight assists and six blocked shots. Reclamation project Jahlil Okafor, the former No. 3 draft pick, continued his strong play, scoring 27 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for the Pelicans.
On the six blocks, Holiday said he channeled his “inner Anthony.” Davis is second in the NBA with 2.56 blocks per game.
Harden had 37 points for the Rockets but made just 11 of 32 shots from the field. It was his 24th game in a row with more than 30 points.
James Harden’s 30-point streak is now at 24 games.
37 PTS (11-32 FG, 6-18 3PT, 9-10 FT), 11 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL, 5 TOpic.twitter.com/DoamIPtSqV
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 30, 2019
“Terrible loss for us,” Harden said. “Terrible. Letdown.”
The Rockets fell to 29-21. The Pelicans improved to 23-28.
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