Harden dodges question over missed travel call vs. Jazz
Although Houston Rockets star James Harden has mastered the art of the step-back three, the reigning MVP got away with a couple steps too many in a crucial moment of the Rockets' 102-97 win over the Utah Jazz:
The offensive player gathers the ball while on his right foot. He then takes a step with his left foot (step 1) into a hop step, landing first with his right foot (step 2) and then illegally with his left (step 3). We missed this one - it is a traveling violation. https://t.co/BqMAoZHgIu
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) December 18, 2018
Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio was called for a foul on the play in a one-possession game with 54.6 seconds remaining. Harden then iced the game by sinking two of his three free throws to put the Rockets up five.
"What do you want me to say? Tell on myself?" Harden said when asked about the play after the game, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
Rubio was unsatisfied with the missed call but avoided being critical of the officiating.
"You watch the play? What do you think?" Rubio said. "I'm not going to answer, but I think 100 percent of the people know the answer."
Harden finished the contest with 47 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals.