James Harden draws foul climbing on Michael Carter-Williams’ back (Video)

James Harden draws a lot of foul calls, but this one against the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Carter-Williams was just ridiculous.

NBA referees have a reputation for giving superstar players some generous foul calls, but James Harden was gifted a foul call that was just ridiculous in Friday night’s game between the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls.

Late in the game, Michael Carter-Williams was assigned with the difficult task of guarding James Harden. Carter-Williams fronted Harden, attempting to prevent any pass from getting into Harden’s hands.

With his left hand Harden grabbed the front of Carter-Williams’ jersey. With his right hand, Harden held onto the back of the Bulls defender. As MCW lowered his hips and his back attempting to get more leverage, he sent Harden on top of him. With Harden still holding onto his defender, he was lifted off of the floor. Harden had his entire body weight is on top of the Bulls’ point guard, who collapsed to the floor.

The referees blew their whistle. Shockingly, the foul was called on Carter-Williams. MCW could not believe the call. His face looked shocked and he waved his arms protesting the call. The foul was his sixth of the night, sending him to the bench early.

Meanwhile, Harden was just lying on top of the Bulls player. Harden’s elbow was right in Carter-Williams’ groin, but he did not look surprised by the call. If anything, he looked angry that he was taken to the ground, but it looked like he expected to the foul call to be on Carter-Williams.

Since being traded to Houston, Harden has ranked among of the NBA league leaders in drawing foul calls. Harden is averaging 28.7 points, 11.4 assists and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. Additionally, Harden is leading the league in free throw attempts.

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The Rockets defeated the Bulls 121-117 in overtime. Harden finished with 42 points, nine assists and 12 rebounds. In a losing effort, Carter-Williams led the Bulls with 23 points, six assists and nine rebounds.