LOS ANGELES — James Harden is in the process of testing the limits of modern scoring. As he dares approach averaging 40 points per game for an entire NBA season, he’s up against the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in just their second game together in a late November contest. As the first half is drawing to a close, Harden isolates against George on the left wing. He goes back and forth between his legs and then back once more to earn a step on his defender. He drives left to the baseline, hoping either to turn the corner for a layup or to put George in a compromising position to create another set of free throws.
As he gets toward the baseline, Harden becomes alarmed as Leonard rotates over to cut off the path to the rim. Harden hesitates hoping to create a timing advantage. Kawhi doesn’t budge. Harden attempts an escape dribble back to the perimeter but George has that blocked, as well. The scoring leader jumps in the air as his momentum carries him out of…
