The fans inside FedExForum were nearly suffocating. To them, this was a great game—but also a nerve-racking one.
On the court, the bearded No. 13 guard in red was dribbling the ball.
He came off a screen and shook Tony Allen, who had been defending him.
Tony Allen had not seen the floor in moments like this for a long time. At 34, he was no longer the defensive demon who could go toe-to-toe with the opposing team's top scorer.
As he aged, Tony Allen's lateral quickness, physicality, and other abilities had declined. He could no longer be compared to his former self.
As a result, he had not gotten many opportunities to play this season. Like old Zach, his role on the team now was more that of a locker-room leader.
But today, the Grizzlies had truly been driven out of options by Harden. After Wade and Richardson, Joerger had sent Tony Allen out to give it a try.
But clearly, "Professor Tony" no longer had his former brilliance.
Harden blew past Tony Allen, faced Harrell rotating over, then suddenly stepped back for a jumper!
Everyone held their breath and prayed inwardly.
But unfortunately, the basketball still swished cleanly through the net!
"Twenty-eight points! On the Rockets' final possession before halftime, James Harden has scored his 28th point of the game! My God, I'd bet no player could put up this kind of efficiency against the Grizzlies' defense! Twenty-eight points in a half—James Harden has given the Grizzlies enormous trouble!"
The moment the shot went in, Hubie Brown could not help but shout.
Harden was playing as if aided by the gods today. He was practically battling the Grizzlies all by himself.
There were only 18 seconds left in the second quarter, and the Grizzlies' lead had been cut