James Harden toyed with New York Knicks rookie center Mitchell Robinson late in the second quarter on Friday night at Toyota Center. The Rockets star lured Robinson to the 3-point line to the right of the top of the key with a handful of between-the-legs dribbles.
Once Robinson, too far from the basket for the big man's comfort, could not help himself and reached for the bait, Harden easily scooted past the 7-footer for a layup and one more easy basket in the Rockets' 120-96 victory.
Knicks coach David Fizdale watched in exasperation and admiration – and hardly believed this was the same role player he'd seen in the 2012 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder.