Los Angeles Clippers: James Harden Explains Hilarious Troll Move on Kawhi Leonard
After facing setbacks with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden appears to have found joy in playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, as evidenced by a playful prank he pulled on teammate Kawhi Leonard.
In a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center in Oregon, the Clippers secured a convincing 116-103 victory. Paul George led the charge with 27 points and six rebounds, supported by Kawhi Leonard’s 24 points and four rebounds. Harden contributed 19 points and 14 assists to the team’s success.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers were led by Scoot Henderson and Kris Murray, who scored 18 and 17 points, respectively. Anfernee Simons chipped in with 14 points and four rebounds in Portland’s defeat against the Clippers.
Los Angeles Clippers James Harden Explains Troll Move He Pulled Off on Kawhi Leonard
In a surprising moment during the third quarter, Harden dribbled the ball up the court and positioned himself near the rim. Just as he appeared poised to attempt a shot, he instead passed the ball to Kawhi Leonard in the corner, feigning an attempt at a three-pointer.
Unexpectedly, Harden then attempted to block Leonard’s shot, catching everyone off guard with his unorthodox move. The All-Star guard shed light on this playful gesture in a video shared by Ohm Youngmisuk on X.
James Harden said he was trying to lighten the mood and get the Clippers out of the fog they’ve been in lately when asked about how he closed out on a Kawhi 3-point attempt when they were up by 21. pic.twitter.com/Y9XOBeXRos
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 21, 2024
While Harden’s lighthearted prank on Leonard may have lifted the mood within the Clippers’ camp, it likely didn’t have the same effect on the Portland Trail Blazers and their players. Nonetheless, the Clippers’ victory in that game serves to validate Harden’s actions.
Currently, the Clippers are in contention for a higher seed in the Western Conference, indicating their serious aspirations for success in the postseason. As the playoffs approach, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards the team’s championship ambitions, leaving less room for playful antics like Harden’s troll move. In the pursuit of a championship, the Clippers will prioritize maintaining a competitive edge and laser focus on their ultimate goal.