The Utah Jazz had no answer for Houston Rockets superstar James Harden on Sunday night, as the reigning MVP led his side to a lopsided 122-90 Game 1 victory in this first-round playoff matchup.
After the game, Harden was seen on camera giving his game-worn shoes to a young fan, which turned out to be one of the most endearing moments of the entire evening:
James Harden even signed the pair before handing it over to a young Rockets fan, and in exchange, all the 29-year-old asked in return was a hug. The young girl probably has yet to realize the gravity of this moment, but surely, this is an experience she will cherish for the rest of her life.
Harden torched the Jazz on Monday for a game-high 29 points (on 11-of-26 shooting), along with four 3-pointers, eight rebounds, 10 assists, a block, and three turnovers in 33 minutes of play. All five Rockets starters scored in double digits in this one, as it turned out to be a much easier night for Houston than most would have anticipated.
Rudy Gobert (22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, 12 rebounds), Donovan Mitchell (19 points, five rebounds), and Ricky Rubio (15 points, six assists) all put forth a valiant effort for Utah, but it would be in a losing effort.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night, and the Rockets will want to build on the momentum they established in the opening contest. The Jazz, however, will definitely come out firing as they hope to bring the series to Utah tied at one game apiece.