NEW ORLEANS – James Harden never wanted a foul to be considered in the act of shooting more.
The Rockets had spent the season vexed by the rule change that eliminated continuation calls, no one as much as Harden. But with the Rockets down three in the final seconds and the Pelicans choosing to foul Harden before he could take a 3 to tie, Harden tried one more time to gather and shoot as he was grabbed.
He did not pull it off. He was awarded just two free throws and intentionally missed his second attempt, missing the rim entirely, as the Pelicans held on, 115-113, wasting a Rockets comeback with one last push and a final defensive stand.