James Harden‘s offensive efforts fell short of his MVP-hopeful performances throughout the regular season, scoring only 13 points in the Houston Rockets‘ 25-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2.
A large part of a dismal 3-of-17 shooting night was the haunting shadow of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year wing Kawhi Leonard, who despite not being the primary defender, held him scoreless throughout the game.
The Klaw held Harden scoreless in an 0-for-5 performance from the floor, including two turnovers when either being the primary or an active help-side defender.
Gifted with an incredibly long wingspan for his size, spry feet, and unmatched intellect, Leonard was able to tame an otherwise bruising lion at a sizable 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds into a meek little cat, who was hesitant around the basket.
Leonard's ability to nullify Harden's offensive game, even as a passive defender, will play a huge part in the rest of the series — similar to a quarterback staying away from a particular side of the field that a smart cornerback or safety occupies.
Despite a rather quiet demeanor and humble, team-oriented approach to the game of basketball, Leonard is the cerberus no star wants to come across toe-to-toe, as he's likely to get the edge on the defensive end and erase players the way he did Harden in Game 2.
Perhaps his most unattributed virtue during Game 2 was his picture-perfect ball-denial, as Harden is unable to damage the Spurs without having the ball in his hands. Kawhi Leonard's sheer length and athleticism often makes Houston think twice before trying a risky pass or throwing lobs in traffic.
The two superstars will match up again after trading poor offensive outings in the first two games as the series shifts to the Toyota Center for the remainder of the week.
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