Watch: Clippers star contests teammate’s shot, explains bizarre play

In a baffling sequence during the third quarter of the Clippers' win over the Trail Blazers, Harden drove and kicked the ball out to a wide-open Kawhi Leonard. At least he was open until Harden inexplicably ran at his teammate and contested his shot.

At a glance, it’s unclear what Harden was doing. Was this an ill-timed high-five attempt? Did he have a mental lapse and think he was still on the Rockets? Was Harden racking up assists so easily (he had 14 in the game) that he had to make it harder for himself?

After the game, Harden explained he was trying to “bring some excitement to the team.”

“I think these last few weeks has been a fog for us,” Harden told reporters after the game. “It was me trying to create a good energy, create a good vibe for this team. Maybe it would have been better if he made the shot.”

Regardless, it’s one of the most impressive close-outs we’ve seen from Harden all season, if not the last few years. So the next time someone criticizes The Beard for a lack of effort on defense, he can show them this clip. 

... Even if technically he was on offense at the time.