James Harden Had a Strange Reason for Trying to Block His Own Teammate’s Shot

The Los Angeles Clippers were able to roll over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, but one odd moment from their victory had everyone on social media wondering what the heck James Harden was trying to do. 

In case you missed it, Harden passed the ball to Kawhi Leonard in the corner during the third quarter and then jumped out to contest his teammate’s shot.

For real. 

Leonard got the shot off but missed on his attempt. This all happened while the Clippers were up 21 points and cruising over the Trail Blazers, but it was just wild to see. 

Check it out: 

I’m not kidding when I tell you James Harden contesting HIS OWN TEAMMATES SHOT is funniest thing I’ve ever seen happen on a basketball court ???? pic.twitter.com/HINDl01Ivi

— Oluwajomiloju (@JomiAdeniran) March 21, 2024

After the game Harden explained what he was thinking on that play: 

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

Uh, O.K. Sure. 

Fans had reactions to Harden’s move: 

what on earth james harden https://t.co/k42Jzwlqz3

— Nathan Deal (@NattyD13) March 21, 2024

Aye man whats really going on? I’m literally crying over here???????? https://t.co/uW0fftsJyL

— Jordan Loyd (@mrjloyd) March 21, 2024

One of the funniest things I’ve seen https://t.co/jVRaFzgo1e

— jer (@notanotherjer) March 21, 2024

Harden beatin the no defense allegations one contested shot on a teammate at a time. https://t.co/diWDEAlvce

— v (@beenvics) March 21, 2024

This is up there as the most unserious nba moments ???????????? https://t.co/jYVvbaa4eI

— OkcthunderMuse (@okcthundermuse_) March 21, 2024