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By Alex Kirschenbaum
Contributing Entertainment Writer
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With his Los Angeles Clippers leading the lowly Portland Trail Blazers by 21 points as the clock ticked down in the game's third quarter Wednesday night, James Harden made what at first looked like the most befuddling defensive decision of his pro career. After a drive-and-dish to All-Star colleague Kawhi Leonard resulted in him what would have been an easy corner left triple for a guy who converts 44.4% of his efforts from there, Harden decided to have a little fun. He slid over to contest his own teammate's shot.
Afterwards, Harden confirmed that he was, indeed, messing around, given that the Clippers were up big and their lead appeared to be safe, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The Clippers would go on to win, 116-103. Leonard and Harden didn't need to play in the fourth quarter.
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"Got to bring some excitement to the team, you know what I mean?" Harden said postgame, per Murray. "I think these last few weeks [have] been a fog for us. And I think every team goes through it. So I think just me, just trying to create a good energy, a good vibe for this team."
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Through Sunday, LA had gone just 10-8 in a demoralizing 18-game run, with the New Orleans Pelicans suddenly nipping at their heels for the West's fourth seed and homecourt advantage. It appears that the team is more than happy to have its current pair of bouts against Portland, who at 19-50 has long been eliminated from postseason contention.
"Maybe it would have been better if he made the shot, but it gives (us) something to laugh about ... some excitement for us," Harden said. The Trail Blazers will face off against the Clippers again Friday, and no doubt LA is hoping for another easy win. Harden's shooting output has decreased a bit with fewer touches alongside fellow future Hall of Famers Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (another future Hall of Famer, 35-year-old Russell Westbrook, is a reserve). Through 61 games this year, he's averaging 17.3 points on .442/.407/.883 shooting splits, 8.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks.
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