National Basketball Association

Harden has nightmare night in last game, sets turnover record

Published May. 27, 2015 11:38 p.m. ET

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Andre Vergara

James Harden heard "M-V-P" chants all season as he led the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference finals, never more deserving than in Game 4 when he scored 45 points to avoid elimination.

But in Game 5 at Golden State, with the Rockets' season on the line again, Harden had one of the worst games of his career. He set a playoff record with 13 turnovers, missed 9-of-11 shots and barely outscored Golden State reserve Festus Ezeli (14-12) in Houston's 104-90 loss.

The 13th turnover was as embarrassing as any: Harden dribbled the ball off his foot, uncontested at halfcourt, in the final minute.

"Tried to do a little bit too much and turned the ball over and gave them easy baskets in transition," Harden said. "This isn't where we wanted to end at. It's a really good season for us. Next year we want to be better, and we will."

It was Harden's second stinker of the series — he shot 3 of 16 in a 115-80 loss in Game 3. 

Asked if he was worn out from carrying the Rockets so far, Harden smiled and replied "I'm 25 years old. I'm all right."

Stephen Curry, who beat Harden in the MVP voting, finished with 26 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals, showing no lingering effects from his frightening fall in Game 4 that left him with a bruised head and right side.

The good news for Harden was that after the game, rapper Lil B lifted the curse he'd put on the Houston star for allegedly stealing his dance. But it's too late for this season.

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