There may be no such thing as a James Harden stopper, just as there was no Kobe Bryant stopper (sorry Ruben Patterson). But if there were to be someone that fits the bill of at least making games long and nights tough for Harden, Stanley Johnson is quickly building up a resume this season alone.
Wednesday was the third time Johnson squared off against Harden in a Lakers jersey alone this season and it was the third time he made life miserable for the superstar guard. The difference against the Sixers was Johnson added some offensive contribution as well, scoring all 13 of his points in the first quarter as part of a spirited effort from a severely undermanned Lakers side, even if it ultimately ended in a loss.