Zurab Talakvadze

James Harden is stil missing his most fearsome parther in crime, the Silen Assasin Kawhi Leonard. Two time NBA chamopion and multiple Defensive Player of the Year winner, Leonard is still injured with not a real timetable for his return.

But Clippers, under the guidance of Tyrone Lue are pesky enough not to lose the play off ground on the standings. They just withstood a late Golden State come back and beat Curry-led team 102:99 to stay in the play off hunt. And boy, did Harden just delivered!

He made just 4/15 field goals and was out of the shooting zone for much of the night. But he orchestrated Clippers’ offence in a best possible way. James dished out 16 assists with only 3 turnovers. He was creative and fearsome on offense, he was killing the Warriors defense with some magic moves. And, he was more than just a superstar locked in a deadly clash with another future Hall of Famer. He was good.

Curry is the greatest single shooter in the history of basketball, let alone NBA. He is lethal, he is a game changer, he is one of the better clutch players to ever walk on the court. And, he is all time number one in list of NBA’s all time threes.

Harden now occupies the second place. He is about 20 threes from reaching 3 000 in his career and barring some injury, he reach that point before the end of the year.

The both entered the league in 2009. Steph has since become the immortal beast with a deadly touch. Harden is still looking for his first championship. They had a fierce rivalry during Hardens’s stay in Houston, they go face to face during Harden’s tenure in Kawhiland, but the results stay unchanged: James is ringless.

Harden passed Ray Allen in the win against Jazz. Curry passed Allen 3 years ago, They will likely stay in that order for the rest of their respected careers. Curry the Punisher versus James the Beard.

For that one night, the world belonged to James.

Fear the Beard!