Since beating James Harden and the Clippers 111–103, the Houston Rockets have won five of their last six games and are now 8–4 on the season. Meanwhile, Clippers fans are upset, especially after seeing the beard benched in the final quarter of the game.
James Harden played well at the Toyota Center, scoring 19 points, with seven assists and six rebounds. But he didn’t play in the final minutes of the game. Coach Tyronn Lue surprised everyone by benching Harden and Norman Powell for the last eight minutes.
Fans and analysts were confused, especially since the record-maker didn’t get to take a shot when it was most important. Even though the Clippers cut the Rockets’ lead to just four points with 90 seconds left, they couldn’t complete the comeback.
The Rockets won thanks to a strong team effort. Jalen Green scored 21 points, and Alperen Şengün had a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. The Clippers fought hard, but it wasn’t enough to win.
Fans react to James Harden’s bench time
On Twitter, fans shared their thoughts, with many questioning Coach Tyronn Lue’s decision in such a close game. Some thought it was because James Harden was struggling, while others felt it was a bad strategy. Most of them were shocked by Harden’s benching in the 4th quarter.
@grimybets asked, “Harden doesn’t see the floor in the 4th in a 10-point game in Houston????”
Harden doesn’t see the floor in the 4th in a 10 point game in Houston???? pic.twitter.com/61SsKLPlYl
— GrimyBets (@grimybets) November 14, 2024
@Xclusivekesh wondered, “Can someone please explain to me why James Harden is sitting on the bench??”
Can someone please explain to me why James Harden is sitting on the bench??
— KB (@Xclusivekesh) November 14, 2024
@BThis69 was upset, saying, “How fucking rigged is this shit man??! Why did James Harden just sit on the bench the entire 4th quarter ??! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK”
How fucking rigged is this shit man??!
— Toppy Proppy (@BThis69) November 14, 2024
Why did James Harden just sit on the bench the entire 4th quarter ??!
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK
@chrislfiggures tweeted, “Ty Lue really sold my parlay bruh how tf you sit Harden on the bench for a whole 4th quarter man.”
Ty Lue really sold my parlay bruh how tf you sit Harden on the bench for a whole 4th quarter man pic.twitter.com/RqRyeSYEcB
— Chris Figgures (@chrislfiggures) November 14, 2024
@Vin_Squad added, “Literally can’t make it up. James Harden didn’t play the ENTIRE 4th quarter in a close game. 😑”
Literally can’t make it up. James Harden didn’t play the ENTIRE 4th quarter in a close game. 😑 pic.twitter.com/NgERvq1DZ6
— Vinny (@Vin_Squad) November 14, 2024
I'm pretty confused right now….
— Betsey (@Betsycashmoney) November 14, 2024
Down by 6pts in a very important conference matchup, Ty Lue benched all his starters & closed with two-way players.
Did he think the game was out of reach in the 4th? Or was he pissed about something?
