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Today in 2018: James Harden buries Wesley Johnson with epic crossover

Ben DuBose
·2 min read

Entering play on Feb. 28, 2023, the Houston Rockets (13-47) own the NBA’s worst record for a third consecutive season. But fans don’t have to think back very far to recall better times for the franchise.

One of those moments came exactly five years ago on Feb. 28, 2018. As perhaps the defining image from James Harden’s MVP season, “The Beard” dropped Los Angeles Clippers guard Wesley Johnson to the floor with an epic crossover before licking his lips and burying a 3-pointer in front of astonished fans at Staples Center.

Harden, a perennial All-Star with the Rockets, went on to win MVP that yearseason, and the Rockets finished the regular season at 65-17 — easily the best record of any team in franchise history.

Five years later, perhaps it’s only fitting if Harden — a potential free agent this offseason, when the Rockets have significant salary cap space — is the one to lead the Rockets back to relevance.

For now, here’s a look back at one Harden’s most memorable moments over eight-plus seasons with the Rockets.

Wesley Johnson, meet James Harden

Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire