James Harden Talks About Rival and All-Star Game

James recently spoke to Athon Sports about last weekend’s All-Star. Over the years, Harden and Stephen Curry have had their fair share of clashes on the court, with both players entering the NBA in the 2009 draft class. Now, at 35 and 36 years old, they are once again All-Stars—and this time, they were teammates because of the new four-team tournament-style format introduced by the NBA this season.

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

James recently spoke to Athon Sports about last weekend’s All-Star. Over the years, Harden and Stephen Curry have had their fair share of clashes on the court, with both players entering the NBA in the 2009 draft class. Now, at 35 and 36 years old, they are once again All-Stars—and this time, they were teammates because of the new four-team tournament-style format introduced by the NBA this season. 

Curry, who has spent his entire 16-year career with the Golden State Warriors, is gearing up for his 11th All-Star appearance. Meanwhile, Harden, also set for his 11th All-Star Game, made his feelings about Curry clear during the media portion on Saturday, ahead of the weekend’s festivities. 

“We came in the same year, he’s changed the game… His aura, obviously, his shooting, his presence.” Harden said. “Being in this arena gives me nightmares because I had to go against them… We literally created teams just to beat the Warriors.” 

Harden has had individual success, but could not get the ROCKETS past G-State managed to get past the Warriors in the postseason during his time in Houston. They came closest in 2018, holding a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference Finals. However, after Chris Paul’s injury, the Rockets lost the final two games and ultimately fell short of advancing.