Rockets’ James Harden fails to shoot a free throw in a home game for first time since 2012 NBA Finals

Houston Rockets superstar James Harden played through a strained neck on Sunday night in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he did appear a bit worse for wear. The reigning Most Valuable Player winner was not his usual self in this one, and the fact that he failed to get to the free-throw line throughout the entire contest was truly quite shocking.

As a matter of fact, this is actually the first time Harden failed to record at least one free-throw attempt in a home game since the 2012 NBA Finals:

Rockets win

James Harden: 303rd home game with the Rockets, including playoffs.

0 free throw attempts for first time in a Rockets home game.

The last time James Harden didn’t attempt a free throw at home before tonight was Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Finals in OKC. https://t.co/65xILVkHao

— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) March 18, 2019

Moreover, this is the first time Harden has not taken at least one attempt from the free-throw line — be it in an away or a home game — in 349 contests. Sunday night saw his streak end at seventh all-time in this particular category.

This was definitely uncharacteristic of Harden, who is currently averaging 11.1 attempts from the charity stripe on the season. The 29-year-old has gained a reputation as being one of the best in the league at drawing fouls, so Sunday night was certainly an anomaly.

Harden was originally questionable to play against Minnesota, and he was obviously still feeling the effects of his strained neck. Kudos to the 29-year-old here for playing through the injury, when he could have very easily taken the night off.

Despite the off night, James Harden was still able to help his team to victory, logging 20 points (on 8-of-24 shooting), four 3-pointers, two rebounds, 10 assists, a steal, and three turnovers in 32 minutes of action. Such has been Harden’s tremendous season that a stat line like this is considered an off night by his extremely high standards.

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