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James Harden Reveals Reason for Trying to Block Kawhi Leonard

James Harden explained his viral moment with Kawhi Leonard.

Farbod Esnaashari

James Harden Reveals Reason for Trying to Block Kawhi Leonard
James Harden Reveals Reason for Trying to Block Kawhi Leonard /
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Kawhi Leonard and James Harden went viral during Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, but not in the usual way one would expect during a basketball game.

When the Clippers were up by 21 points in the third quarter, Harden actually tried contesting Kawhi Leonard's wide-open three-point shot himself. It was a moment no NBA fan has really ever seen before and got a good laugh at.

What was James Harden's reason for the hilarious viral moment? He simply wanted to make Kawhi Leonard laugh and bring some excitement to a Clippers team that's had a rough few weeks.

"Gotta bring some excitement to this team," Harden joked. "I think these last few weeks has been a fog for us, I think every team goes through it. I think me just trying to create a good energy, create a great vibe for this team, it would have been better if he made the shot. Give us something to laugh about, some excitement."

In all honesty, while Harden's attempt to bring the Clippers some much-needed joy worked, it's a tactic that's very ill-advised. Especially for a Clippers team that blew a 21-point fourth-quarter lead against the Lakers, a 22-point lead against the Timberwolves, and a 13-point fourth-quarter lead against the Milwaukee Bucks. Handling business is more important than getting a joke off on the court. However, if it works, it works.

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Farbod Esnaashari
FARBOD ESNAASHARI

12-year NBA veteran that's covered the league on Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and ESPN.

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