Houston Rockets: James Harden All-Star Game recap

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 17: LeBron James #23 of the LA Lakers and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets both of Team LeBron look on as they play against Team Giannis in the first quarter during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 17: LeBron James #23 of the LA Lakers and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets both of Team LeBron look on as they play against Team Giannis in the first quarter during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Beard had a pretty quiet All-Star Game as the lone representative of the Houston Rockets but came through when he was needed to seal the deal for Team LeBron.

James Harden was chosen once again, of course, to represent the Houston Rockets in the All-Star Game this season. He is in the midst of yet another MVP-caliber year and was rewarded as a starter for Team LeBron in tonight’s game.

While it was nice to see him out there, Rockets fans were also looking for him to be cautious as he is dealing with a slight shoulder injury. It showed a bit in his game tonight, as the Beard shot exclusively from behind the arc and didn’t really attempt to do much else.

Stats-wise, Harden ended up with 12 points on 4/13 shooting from deep and ended up with the highest plus-minus of all the starters at +8. Lillard had the best on the team, putting up an incredible +20 in 24 minutes, fueling the third quarter comeback for Team LeBron.

Clutch Harden

James Harden, of course, had to hit the dagger when he was given the opportunity. Despite struggling all night from outside the arc, he drilled a step back over his old foe Stephen Curry to put the game out of reach (though it was already close to that point) in the last minute of the game.

Harden over Curry to finish this one off ?https://t.co/hSf7kZ0dhR

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) February 18, 2019

It isn’t the first time that Harden’s hit a clutch shot over a Warrior this year. Can we see another one on Saturday night when the two teams play once again?

Hopefully, the Beard will be all rested up and have his shoulder at 100% by the time the season resumes on Thursday. The Rockets will face Harden’s teammate tonight, LeBron James, and the Lakers as they look to sweep the season series.

Recap of the Rockets at the break. Next

Tonight was a pretty relaxed night for James, besides the chance to clown Curry. That’s always nice.