The Golden State Warriors were looking to run away with game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday after taking a 12-0 lead on the Houston Rockets to start the game. In the second quarter, the complexion of the game changed behind the inspired play of James Harden.
The Rockets were able to outscore the Warriors with a 53-34 run over the course of the first half, and eventually built a double-digit lead over Golden State. During the Houston run, Harden unleashed a behemoth of a dunk over the Warriors’ Draymond Green.
At 6:06 in the second quarter, Harden was able to drive from the top of the key and complete what might end up being one of the postseason’s most memorable plays — the NBA community certainly enjoyed Harden’s highlight dunk.
That James Harden’ dunk would have won each of the last five dunk contests!
— Bob Rathbun (@BobRathbunTV) May 23, 2018
BeardPoster.gif #Rockets pic.twitter.com/orHOWG8R4N
— Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) May 23, 2018
James Harden put Draymond Green in a bag
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) May 23, 2018
THAT @JHarden13 DUNK! ?
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) May 23, 2018
Dammmmn lol
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) May 23, 2018
My lawd James … ? #NBAPlayoffs
— Troy Daniels (@troydaniels) May 23, 2018
Houston took a 53-46 lead into the half, with Harden scoring 24 points in the first two quarters. The series is tied 2-2 after Houston’s win on Tuesday.