James Harden is already a lethal scorer, but what makes him exceptionally difficult to guard is his ability to draw foul calls. This is nothing new, but Damian Lillard shared exactly what it’s like trying to defend against the two-time scoring champ and 2017-2018 NBA MVP.
Lillard’s Portland Trail Blazers lost to the Houston Rockets 132-108 on Monday night. Harden went 11/19 for 36 points and was 9/10 on free throws. Here’s what Lillard said of defending Harden:
Damian Lillard basically complained that you can't touch James Harden. pic.twitter.com/e6ruHc8zoV
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) November 19, 2019
He’s right. When Harden is kicking his legs or putting his arms out and getting foul calls, there isn’t much you can do. And when it’s already a great player doing that, your chances of defending him well are even smaller.
This sort of playing style is a major topic of contention among NBA fans. It has led some frustrated fans to dislike the All-Star, and one announcer even described it as “cheating.” And for NBA players, you can tell just how frustration it can be to try defending Harden.
