James Harden hilariously justifies contesting teammate's shot

After the game, Harden provided a hilarious justification as to why he contested Leonard's shot. 

"I was trying to bring some excitement to this team," Harden told reporters. "I mean, these last few weeks have been a fog for us. I think every team goes through it. So, it was just me trying to create energy, create a great vibe for this team. Maybe it would've been better if he had made the shot... but I was trying to give them something to laugh about, some excitement."

Did he succeed in his effort to bring excitement to the team?

"Yeah, I did," the guard responded with a big smile. 

Funny enough, it was Harden who created a wide-open look for Leonard with his dribble penetration and drive-and-kick expertise. That's why his reflex action of guarding Leonard left so many perplexed.  

Harden's justification notwithstanding, he's sure to make "Shaqtin' a Fool" when Shaquille O'Neal releases his next reel of NBA bloopers. 

It now remains to be seen if Harden's master plan to re-energize the Clippers works. The Tyronn Lue-coached team has hit a slump in recent weeks, going 9-10 over its last 19 games. With just 14 games left in their season, the fourth-seeded Clippers could use some momentum heading into next month's playoffs, especially with the Pelicans lurking just a game behind them in the standings.