National Basketball Association

Nerlens Noel rejects James Harden in possible block of the year

Published Nov. 4, 2014 2:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nerlens Noel is healthy, and that's bad news for the rest of the NBA.

The Philadelphia 76ers big man missed all of last season with an injury, but he's back and already making a big impact. Noel has been at his best as a defensive presence around the rim.

Just ask James Harden.

The Houston Rockets guard tried to attack the basket Monday night, but Noel was having none of it. Noel elevated to protect the rim and rejected Harden with an emphatic block.

Safe to say Harden won't try this one again any time soon.

Noel's offensive game still seems to be a work in progress -- he's averaging just 8.0 points on 44.1 percent shooting through five games. His defense this season, however, is another story, as Noel is averaging 2.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game so far.

None of that is making a huge difference on the Sixers' record, though. Philadelphia now is 0-4 after Monday's loss to Houston.

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