James Harden does play defense, contrary to popular belief.
With the Los Angeles Clippers up 81-60 over the Portland Trail Blazers with 4:25 left in the third quarter, Harden decided to have some fun on offense -- and defense.
Harden drew in the baseline defender Dalano Banton, which freed up teammate Kawhi Leonard for an open 3-pointer. But, instead of Banton closing down Leonard's shot, Harden took matters into his own hands.
Get top local stories in Connecticut delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Connecticut's News Headlines newsletter.
Leonard missed the shot and appeared to look in Harden's direction with his arms flailing.
"Got to bring some excitement to this team," Harden said in a post-game locker-room interview explaining the moment. "I think these last few weeks have been a fog for us and I think every team goes through it. So I think it's just me trying to create a great energy, a great vibe.
"Maybe it would've been better if he made the shot, gives us something to laugh about."
The Clippers, currently fourth in a packed Western Conference, had won just one of five games in a poor run of form before topping Portland 116-103 on the road.
Harden posted 19 points on 6 of 11 shooting overall along with 14 assists, four rebounds and a block.
Leonard, on the other hand, recorded 24 points on 9 of 16 shooting overall, four rebounds, four steals and two assists. He shot 1 of 3 from distance, but perhaps he could've added one more make if not for Harden's contest.
The Clippers' next game will again be in Portland on Friday, March 22.
