"He sent him across the arena lol": Fans buzz with excitement after James Harden's nasty step back puts Peyton Watson on skates

The LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets tangled in a closely contested game on Sunday, with 2018 MVP James Harden proving he still has what it takes to lead an offense. The Nuggets did not have an answer for Harden, who was outstanding on the night. The Clippers guard finished with a game-high 39 points to guide his team to a 126-122 victory.

Harden's most impressive bucket came late in the fourth when his team needed a basket at a critical stage. With under two minutes to go and the Clippers holding on to a slender four-point lead, the ball was put in Harden's hands. The gifted shooter found himself one-on-one against Denver forward Peyton Watson and pulled off a skillful step back that left his opponent on skates.

NBA fans on social media were in awe of Harden's play and shared their views on X after the stunning move by the 10-time All-Star.

"He sent him across the arena lol," wrote a fan on X.

"Harden been balling all season," said a fan.

"James Harden turning back the clock with a vintage performance!" wrote another.

"James Harden's stepback is a signature move that leaves defenders stumbling!" one posted.

After making the shot, Harden proceeded to drop the "stirring the pot" celebration, which he has been using since his days with the Houston Rockets.

"Finally did the cook celebration omg," a fan commented.

"Aw with the cook celly," another wrote.

Harden finished the night with 39 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists and a steal to ensure the fans at the Intuit Dome went home happy.

With two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard out with a knee injury, James Harden has had to play a bigger role for Los Angeles, and the 35-year-old has stepped up to the challenge. This season, Harden is averaging 22.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 8.9 apg and 1.7 spg. He currently leads the Clippers roster in assists and steals and ranks second behind Norman Powell in points.

James Harden joins Steph Curry as the only NBA player to reach 3,000 3-pointers

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden sets up to shoot against Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele at Wells Fargo Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

Aside from a vital victory for the Clippers, Sunday also turned out to be a historic evening for James Harden from a personal standpoint. The talented scorer recorded six 3-pointers on the night to take his career total up to 3,004.

In November, Harden surpassed Ray Allen's total of 2,973 3-pointers to move up to second on the all-time leaderboard in the category. Only Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry is ahead of him with 3,810 3-pointers.