Video: Nerlens Noel blocks James Harden at the rim

Nerlens Noel rejected a dunk attempt by All-Star guard James Harden at the rim during the third quarter of a Monday night game between the Sixers and Rockets

Nerlens Noel rejected a dunk attempt by All-Star guard James Harden at the rim during the third quarter of a Monday night game between the Sixers and Rockets in Philadelphia. 

As the clock ticked down under 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter with Houston leading 79-74, Harden drove past JaKarr Sampson going left on the left wing. Noel, a long-armed rookie who missed all of last season with a knee injury, came across the paint from the right block to provide help defense, getting his right hand in front of the rim to execute a ferocious block as time expired.

Replays showed Noel rejecting the dunk attempt well above the rim. This one is worth another look from the baseline angle.

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Noel, 20, is no stranger to rim protection, as he averaged 4.4 blocks per game during his one season at Kentucky.