ESPN.com · Sep 3, 2020
Rockets' James Harden makes series-saving stop on night he 'couldn't hit a shot'
The Houston Rockets' season, and perhaps James Harden's reputation, were at risk when Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Lu Dort caught a pass seemingly wide open on the left wing.
Harden, who was guarding center Steven Adams near the block, sprinted to close out on the stunningly sizzling Dort, jumped and extended his left arm as high as he could. Harden blocked Dort's potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds remaining, a series-saving defensive stop by an NBA scoring champion who had endured yet another off night in an elimination game.
During the dead ball after the block, Harden released a primal roar, letting out a long night's worth of frustration.