9. Joel Embiid chase-down block on James Harden in transition
Very seldom does a reigning MVP look inferior in any sport. When it comes to James Harden, his unparalleled knack for scoring makes it nearly impossible.
But when any player encounters Joel Embiid within the vicinity of the post, it’s a step into a realm composed of divergent results.
In what was an obvious duel between two star players, Embiid and Harden clashed on Jan. 21 for the first time all season. Embiid, who dealt with some back soreness, wasn’t victorious in the one-on-one scoring battle. But his 32-point, 14-rebound outing was more than enough for the Sixers to rout one of the most talented rosters in the NBA by a significant margin.
Prior to the Sixers cruising into the half with a 15-point cushion, Embiid tyrannized Harden with a perfectly-timed pin against the glass on a fast break:
Joel Embiid SWATS IT AWAY for the @sixers!
— NBA (@NBA) January 22, 2019
Halftime on @NBAonTNT:#HereTheyCome 65#Rockets 50
Joel Embiid: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 3 BLK
James Harden: 27 PTS, 4 3PM
JJ Redick: 13 PTS pic.twitter.com/meZuqQtGXM
Harden led the game in scoring, as per usual, but his 37 points came on the same night as a pulverizing loss for the Houston Rockets.