"On My Life": James Harden Goes Viral For Desperate Plea To Refs In Close Game

James Harden is not exactly known for his defense. As a matter of fact, it’s been a knock on his game for nearly two decades.

In the closing moments of the Cavs-Magic game on Wednesday, Harden picked up a tough assignment: covering 6-foot-10 Paolo Banchero as Orlando threatened to extend a 122-120 lead. With under 24 seconds left in regulation (and less than 10 seconds on the shot clock), Desmond Bane tried to get the ball to Banchero, who could then attack the mismatch.

As Bane threw the pass, Banchero went in for the reception but Harden moved to intercept the ball, which went sailing out of bounds. What happened next became a viral (and unintentionally hilarious) moment.

The referee called it last touch on Harden, which meant that possession would stay with the Magic. Immediately, the former NBA MVP pleaded his case with the officials. “On my life,” Harden said. “On my own life!”

Was this Harden saying anything and everything just to cover up for a failed attempt at a steal, or even a possible non-call on a foul? Or was he simply trying to convey that he legitimately made no contact with the ball?

Critics of Harden will point out that this is the same player who was featured on “Shaqtin’ a Fool” many times for his “Ole” defense. Apparently, this is the same NBA superstar who spends little to no effort on properly containing the perimeter, who gets targeted from time to time by shot-makers looking for favorable switches.

As adamant as Harden was, there was nothing that his team could do to back him up. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson had no challenges left at that point, and the only thing to do was to get back on defense.

Unfortunately for the Cavs, Bane caught the inbound pass despite some tight coverage from Keon Ellis and swished a three. This gave Orlando the cushion they needed in crunchtime, and they went on to secure a 128-122 victory.

What would have happened if the refs had called last touch on Bane or Banchero instead? Perhaps the Cavs would have gotten a chance to tie or even win the game in the final possession of the game. Perhaps Harden or Donovan Mitchell would have knocked down another crucial three. 

Instead, all that the Cavs can do is replay that crucial out-of-bounds call and watch Harden swear on his life all over again.