James Harden’s Infamous Self-Hit: Knicks Superstar Details True Story Behind Viral Moment

Josh Hart is often caught in the most unfortunate yet unforgettable moments. Teammates ignoring a dap, Hart’s hilarious reactions are some things he has become known for more than his basketball. One such moment occurred in 2019, which is a highlight moment in Hart’s collection of quirky reactions. It occurred with a prime James Harden who was running the show for the Houston Rockets.

The New Orleans Pelicans were engaged in a cutthroat half against a formidable Rockets side. They had an aggressive, pitbull like Russell Westbrook with his best friend, the Beard. It was all even at the half with one last possession to go. Harden was surprisingly struggling, shooting 4-13. He had one last shot to hit a three at the buzzer to take the lead. With Hart guarding him, Harden couldn’t get the shot off. Frustrated by his shortcomings, he slammed the ball on the court. Absurdly enough, it bounced right back on his face. In the background, all you could see if a confused Hart.

During a recent episode, he explained what he was going through when it happened.

Josh Hart didn’t know why James Harden was so angered

During the first episode of the newly introduced Roommates Show, Hart and Jalen Brunson, teammates since college spoke about their journeys and the times they have spent from their innocent days in Villanova to now playing for the New York Knicks. One story the host wanted to know was the various thoughts Hart felt when Harden hit himself with the ball.

Hart, jumping back into time, remembers being weirded out by Harden’s outbreak. “I was just kind of lost because I didn’t know why he was so mad,” said Hart.

The Knicks forward recalls having been “baked” by Harden in that first half. He probably doesn’t remember the game all that well. But one thing he was accurate about was Harden being in the fruit of his prime. He was averaging 34.3 points this season and had teamed up with Westbrook to amplify the championship aspirations set on Houston.

Hart only saw it as another three in what he remembers: as a 25-point first half. In hindsight, Harden’s reaction was justified. The Rockets would have got the lead and it would have given them a comfortable pillow to relax on. In the end, the tandem of Russ and Harden had to strive until the end to win 123-126.

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Harden ended with 29 while Brodie logged a 28-point triple-double. Hart and Ingram had a game themselves combining for 58. It was a nail-biting finish that saw Westbrook overtake the iconic Magic Johnson in all-time triple-doubles, now only trailing Oscar Robertson.

However, the only moment that replays in the memories is Hart’s absurd reaction. Him wincing in confusion and trying to calculate how Harden hit himself with the ball. It will stick with him as he rightfully said.

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