When the San Antonio Spurs announced they would be playing Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the Houston Rockets without superstar Kawhi Leonard, the majority of NBA fans began to look ahead to what would be a do or die Game 7 back in San Antonio.
Instead of making mincemeat out of the shorthanded, aging Spurs, James Harden and Co. pulled what can only be described as a vanishing act at the absolute worst time.
The Rockets were down 19 (61-42) at the half, and were unable to mount any semblance of a legitimate comeback in the third quarter.
When things were all said and done, Houston’s season was over in abysmal fashion after losing (114-75) by 39 points.
It’s no secret the Rockets were overwhelmingly dependent on Harden all season. On Thursday night, it appeared as if the MVP candidate simply could no longer hold the weight of his team’s world on his shoulders, and crumbled after the slightest hint of adversity Houston faced.
“Best of luck next round & continue to be great.”-James Harden to Gregg Popovich pic.twitter.com/Ehq9s9aQPA
— FOX Sports: NBA (@HoopsOnFOX) May 12, 2017
Harden made just two field goals in the game, finishing with 10 points, seven assists, three rebounds and six turnovers.
Naturally, the internet responded as you would expect it to by savagely roasting Harden into oblivion after the game.
You can't lay an egg in the Finals again if you never make it back. pic.twitter.com/GD2wl6dukf
— Bradley Geiser (@therealbradg) May 12, 2017
LAWD. pic.twitter.com/6NgCuYXL1L
— LizzLocker (@Lizzs_Lockeroom) May 12, 2017
Rockets got rebranded this series. pic.twitter.com/sLqrNCEr71
— Jesse Blanchard (@blanchardJRB) May 12, 2017
pic.twitter.com/Lsw6VBcMNM
— Austin (@ChefTrillie) May 12, 2017
@BleacherReport pic.twitter.com/10tzzFMLb1
— ㅤ (@westbrookszn) May 12, 2017
When you are still the only Rocket to lead the team to the WCF this decade. pic.twitter.com/Km0DrlvSXo
— AlmightyBallerRadio (@ABPNRadio) May 12, 2017
The internet remains undefeated…