NBA fans lose it as James Harden drops Bennedict Mathurin with mesmerizing stepback - "What is bro eating to break everybody's ankles", "Ain't nothin without the shimmy"
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden finally gave NBA fans a highlight reel play to enjoy. Harden shot a 3-pointer after making Indiana Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin fall to the ground, sending fans on Twitter in a frenzy.
James Harden has earned a bit of a reputation for creating highlight-reel plays. Pairing his accurate shooting from beyond the arc with clever handles, Harden frequently embarrasses defenders.
One of his highlight reel-worthy plays happens to be a step-back dribble into a jumper on the wing which forces defenders to fall to the ground.
In the context of the season, Harden attempted to do the same on opening night against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he failed to complete the play as he missed the entirety of the rim.
The 76ers guard was mocked for this display on Twitter. However, James Harden finally came through against the Indiana Pacers on Monday.
Matching up against Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin, Harden gave the youngster his "welcome to the league" moment by dropping him and hitting a 3-pointer in his face.
James Harden made Mathurin touch the ground 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/DEQcbHYshf
Picking up Harden as a defensive assignment isn't a task for the faint-hearted. Although Mathurin managed to stay in front of Harden, the 76ers guard gave the youngster the work on this play.
While the crowd at Wells Fargo Center erupted after the incident, fans on Twitter also produced some great reactions. Here are some:
@TheHoopCentral Where was this the first 3 games
@TheHoopCentral welcome to the league https://t.co/w73Tll7c8n
@TheHoopCentral WHERE ARE THE HATERS FROM LAST GAME????? HES HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@TheHoopCentral Mathurin trying to guard James Harden 😩 https://t.co/0HMDNLsaNY
@TheHoopCentral He literally stepped on his shoe and pushed off
@TheHoopCentral You mean he pushed Mathurin?
@TheHoopCentral sixers is his team now
@TheHoopCentral Day after mathurin says he’s the greatest ball player in the world
@ComplexSports When y’all gonna realize he ain’t crossing nobody up. He’s pushing off
@ComplexSports @Complex Aint nothin without the shimmy 😂
@overtime @sixers What is bro eating to break everybody's ankles
James Harden Wow
Dancing On My Own
Loses his defender
29 points!
https://t.co/AvPlszOEdO
@BleacherReport CURRY HAS NEVER DONE THIS
@BleacherReport Rockets James Harden on display tonight https://t.co/YE3njxTfk2
@BleacherReport He celebrating and shii https://t.co/OfbmEk2UfG
@BleacherReport People really thought Harden was washed? 🤣
@BleacherReport Two offensive fouls but okay
A large portion of fan reactions have suggested that the play should have been an offensive foul. However, watching Harden embarrass defenders is worth it.
With James Harden appearing to be in top form, the Philadelphia 76ers are sure to be an interesting team. Having won their first game of the season, the team will hope to build upon this momentum going forward.
James Harden goes off against the Indiana Pacers
James Harden's work in the offseason is finally paying off. Appearing to be back in condition, Harden appears to be an MVP-caliber player and this was put on full display against the Indiana Pacers.
Harden has had more impressive performances in the team's four games this season. However, their first win is by far their most valuable win so far.
The Philadelphia 76ers built off of James Harden's outstanding night and rallied around him to improve to 1-3 on the season.
Harden recorded a near triple-double of 29 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. Notching a high scoring night on efficient shooting splits, Harden was the prime factor in leading Philly to their first win.
Paired with Harden, the 76ers also saw an impressive outing by superstar big man Joel Embiid. Embiid notched 26 points and five rebounds on an efficient 8-13 shooting night.
After a miserable start to the season, the 76ers have finally broken through with a win. Considering the expectations placed upon the team, Philadelphia has a lot of ground to cover to make up for their losses.
If the team can build upon the momentum of this win, they are bound to make noise in the playoffs. With the duo of Harden and Embiid also playing off of each other, Philly could be a threat moving forward.