Harden Finally Scores After 15 Straight Misses
Apr 20, 2019, 11:02 PM
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets brings the ball up court against the Utah Jazz in the second half of Game Three during the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 20, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It took over 40 minutes of action before Houston Rockets star James Harden made his first field goal in Game 3 against the Utah Jazz.
Prior to making a slam dunk finish with 7:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, Harden had missed his first 15 attempts from the field.
All game long, the Jazz defense had been frustrating the reigning league MVP. While going up for a floater in the lane in the first quarter, Harden’s shot was swatted by Utah’s Rudy Gobert. In the third quarter, one of his 3-pointer attempts was blocked from behind by Royce O’Neale.
James Harden through 3 quarters:
0-14 from the field.
0-8 from three.
8 points total. pic.twitter.com/9Egf51s3ZL— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 21, 2019
Despite an off night by Harden, the Jazz were unable to take advantage by building a sizable lead. They saw their lead, which once was eight points, vanish in the second half. Harden’s dunk gave increased Houston’s lead to 86-83.
Just seconds after hitting his first shot, Harden connected on his second, a made 3-pointer to increase Houston’s lead to six. The basket gave Harden 15 points in the game which was helped by a 10-for-12 night from the foul line.
The Jazz came into the game trailing Houston in the series 0-2.
