There’s no big shame in an NBA player missing a three-point shot – even one that’s wide open with no defender in sight. Even Stephen Curry, who is the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, only makes 42.7 percent of his three-point attempts and misses a wide-open three from time to time. But the way Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden missed a three-pointer on Tuesday certainly was embarrassing.
During Tuesday night’s season-opening loss to the Boston Celtics, James Harden made a great play on the dribble, losing his defender with an ankle-breaking crossover. After the impressive move, Harden found himself wide open behind the three-point line and did his patented “Harden Shimmy” to taunt his opponent before hoisting the shot.
Unfortunately for Harden, the shot was a complete brick, not even rolling around the rim.
The Harden Shimmy 😂🔥#Shaqtin pic.twitter.com/kO2RB4k9Aq
— Shaqtin' a Fool (@shaqtin) October 19, 2022
A player of Harden’s caliber missing a wide-open shot like this is embarrassing all by itself, but taunting his opponent before missing makes it all the more embarrassing. As a result, the NBA world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
Why are people hyping this up as if he didn’t airball after doing a shimmy 😭 embarrassing https://t.co/3Pq5fU6keY
— 5 (@5ivehad) October 19, 2022
pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. https://t.co/uyV5IxZar2
— Jon Anderson (@JonPgh) October 19, 2022
Put this in the Louvre https://t.co/BWyYseZgyZ
— Eisbär ❄ (@eisbaer_) October 19, 2022
When 2K give you that very early air ball 🤣 https://t.co/dVTgQ3sSiL
— Wonder || ⚡️ (@callherwonder) October 19, 2022
Harden put him on skates. https://t.co/vX0ni8yxVd
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) October 19, 2022
the miss though🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/x2pcXkvabW
— Elgio🦺 (@Elgio_70) October 19, 2022
It’s not clear whether or not the shot was technically an airball, but it was nothing short of embarrassing for the former MVP no matter what.
