Michael Jordan Throws Shade At Harden, Westbrook After Initial Praise

Michael Jordan commended James Harden and Russell Westbrook after both players set records during the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trailblazers respectively.

Harden has scored at least 30 points in his last 30 games, a streak unseen since the days of the great Wilt Chamberlain, and he achieved the feat by scoring 11 points in less than two minutes during the Rockets’ 120-104 win over the Mavericks on Monday night.

The Rockets guard has again put himself in contention to win the NBA regular season MVP after claiming it in 2018 by consistently putting in top quality performances to help his team progress up the ranks in the Western Conference.

Westbrook, on the other hand, created history when he recorded his 10th consecutive triple-double during Thunder’s 120-111 win over the Trailblazers on Monday. He eclipsed Chamberlain, who set the record with nine straight in 1968.

The 2017 MVP was delighted after reaching the milestone and described it as an “unbelievable moment” in his career. He counts being able to play on a regular basis in the NBA as a blessing and it remains to be seen if he can extend the record when Thunder face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night.

"Definitely an unbelievable moment," Westbrook said after the game on Monday, as quoted on ESPN. "I don't know, because honestly, bro, I know what I'm capable of doing, and I just go out and compete and whatever happens, happens, man. I never even dreamed of playing in the NBA or standing here talking to you guys. So, each moment is a blessing for me. Each time I get to walk into this locker room and see my name up there, it's a blessing for me.”

Jordan was quick to praise both the players for their achievements and believes that their feats show the progression in the NBA over the years and he is certain that such records will help grow the league further.

"It shows progression in the league," Jordan said speaking in Charlotte ahead of the All-Star weekend, as quoted on ESPN. "I am very proud of how both guys have done because they are making a mark for the league, and I think it really helps grow the league."

The Chicago Bulls legend, however, was in a cheeky mood when he was asked what was harder, the feats accomplished by Harden and Westbrook or winning NBA championships and there was only one answer that was expected from Jordan.

"Which is harder from the player's standpoint? Six championships, by all means,” Jordan, who won six NBA titles with the Bulls between 1991 and 1998 said. Harden and Westbrook are still to open their account in terms of winning NBA championships, but individually the duo is considered among the best in the league at the moment.