Harden vs LeBron was a Sunday treat for NBA fans…
The Houston Rockets secured a thrilling overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday as LeBron James missed two clutch free-throws to give them the win.
In a highly entertaining clash at the Toyota Center, James and James Harden went head-to-head in an epic MVP battle as the Cavs star eventually buckled and missed a pair of free throws with 4.2 seconds remaining in OT.
Harden finished the game with 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists while LeBron had 37 points, eight rebounds and four assists, but the key stat at the end of the game was the W for the Rockets.
LeBron conceded after the game that he had failed his teammates, and it is difficult to disagree after missing out on the opportunity to put his team up with seconds remaining.
Nevertheless, it will be key for him to move on and bounce back quickly as a spurned opportunity such as that on Sunday could have an effect on him mentally moving forward.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Chicago Bulls with Chris Paul putting up 28 points and 12 assists while DeAndre Jordan grabbed a staggering 26 rebounds.
Nikola Mirotic had a career-high 29 points along with nine rebounds, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts who lost their way down the stretch after multiple lead changes at the start of the fourth.
The Portland Trail Blazers were also winners on Sunday with Damian Lillard (31 points) and LaMarcus Aldridge (26 points) leading them to a win over the Sacramento Kings, while the race for the final playoff spot in the West continues to heat up.
Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans won, beating the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets respectively. Enes Kanter scored 16 points and grabbed 15 boards to help OKC to victory in the absence of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
However, the ‘Comeback of the Night’ award goes to the Golden State Warriors, who after trailing by 26 in the first half came back to defeat the Boston Celtics.
Stephen Curry ended the game with 37 points as he reminded both Harden and LeBron that he is still the favourite for the MVP award.
NBA Results
Los Angeles Clippers 86-96 Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers 103-105 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 110-99 Sacramento Kings
Golden State Warriors 106-101 Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers 74-94 Indiana Pacers
Charlotte Hornets 98-83 Orlando Magic
Oklahoma City Thunder 108-101 Los Angeles Lakers
New Orleans Pelicans 99-92 Denver Nuggets
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