James Harden

Head-to-head clashes against over 1,400 different NBA opponents has left James Harden capable of claiming he’s seen almost anything defenses can throw his way. Putting those lessons to use from the opposite side, Los Angeles’ 16-year star prescribed tastes of one’s own medicine at the San Antonio Spurs’ expense during one havoc-wreaking sequence on November 4, 2024. Like a shopping addict on payday, Harden attacked one early-game possession with endless swipes, starting with Victor Wembanyama’s seemingly-advantageous post-up, followed by a perimeter encore, forcing San Antonio to re-cross midcourt as if the possession just started. Best described as a recurring nightmare by now, Harden vetoes the Spurs’ third attempt at finding its All-Star before picking on someone his own size, kung-fu swatting Jeremy Sochan’s 3-pointer away to force a shot clock violation. Time, ironically, was a friend of the Clippers, who turned a 26-point opening-quarter hole into one of league history’s great come-from-behind efforts. Leaving literal fingerprints on the victory, Harden’s ambition encouraged a 17-point (on 10 shots) performance, supported by eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, three blocks, and three 3-pointers.