Since its inception in 1946, the NBA has had a lot of rule changes over the years. Their most recent one came prior to the 2021-22 season, with them announcing new rules regarding fouls. While players like Stephen Curry have adapted quickly, James Harden is still struggling to keep up.
Aside from his one game where he shot 19 free throws, Harden has had a hard time drawing fouls like he used to. And fans are delighted to see him not get away with the weak calls like previous years. During last night’s game vs Pistons, Harden tried his classic foul drawing technique where he locks his arm with the defender before flopping.
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Instead of receiving free throws, the referee called it an offensive foul on Harden. Fans on Twitter had the time of their lives as they trolled the Nets star for this comical incident.
ruled an offensive foul. my how the tables have turned. pic.twitter.com/n49249zbMF
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 6, 2021
The “James Harden rule” is the best thing the NBA has done under Adam Silver
— Five Reasons Sports (@5ReasonsSports) November 6, 2021
James Harden really is nothing without the foul calls goddamn 😭 pic.twitter.com/NJR2zs9KLF
— shai (@PlayoffShai) November 6, 2021
I don’t understand what’s happening to James Harden this year. It’s not just the foul thing, man.
— Nick (@NicolasHenkel) November 6, 2021
James Harden back when he could get a foul https://t.co/mbGb6gistv
— NBA STORYTELLER (@mrtomeoni) November 6, 2021
LMFAOOOO WAIT A MINUTE IS JAMES HARDEN REALLY BUNS WITHOUT FOUL CALLS???? https://t.co/hDz9buJdfq
— TK Dreamer ☁️ (@_TKDreamer) November 6, 2021
James Harden is not the same scorer without those ashy foul calls.
— Pablo Z’darius McQueen (@PabloMcQueen2) November 6, 2021
James Harden is who we thought he was lmfaoooooo. Absolutely fucking garbage without his gimmick foul drawing https://t.co/ZuMwNcSoxS
— 2006 til Infinity (@HereWeKangz) November 6, 2021
James Harden really needed the foul to be an elite all time scorer. Color me not shocked. https://t.co/fyEmQRtD4K
— Ryan Estabrooke (@EstaRyan12) November 6, 2021
Basketball is healing https://t.co/LVmurluNTm
— Chase Oden (@chase_oden) November 6, 2021
Meanwhile, Harden was furious at the referee for this decision and couldn’t believe the call went against him. Harden had another forgetful play later, as he had a “brain lapse” as the commentator described. Pistons’ Saddiq Bey got the best of Harden, in what was arguably the best Shaqtin-a-Fool moment of the year so far.
READ MORE – WATCH: James Harden Toyed Around by Pistons Player in One of the Worst Plays of His Career
Can James Harden find his form soon?
The Nets started their 2021-22 season without Kyrie Irving, who is unavailable due to failing to adhere to league protocols. Despite his absence, the Nets were still the early favorites to win the championship. But so far, they haven’t looked convincing and a major reason for that is the concerning form of James Harden.
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While Kevin Durant is playing like an MVP, Harden is struggling behind him. Currently, he is averaging 17.7 points, nine assists and 7.4 rebounds. While those are respectable numbers, he is shooting an embarrassing 38.5% from the field. He has been unable to get going, and has lacked the killer instinct which he was famous for in his Rockets days.
If Kyrie is out for the season, the Nets will be unable to go all the way unless Harden improves. Nets fans are hoping that this only a slow start and that he is able to find his form soon. Otherwise, they will be staring at another season without silverware at the Barclays Center.
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