James Harden has been maligned for most of his career as a generally poor defender.

At best, he wasn't trying because of the offensive load he was taking on. At worst? He just didn't care. Defense never seemed like it was his problem. Unless, of course, he was playing in the post. Then he took it personally. Just ask Daryl Morey.

But on Monday, Harden looked like an All-World defender for once. It was almost like he morphed into his teammate, Kawhi Leonard, to lock up Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs all by himself.

Harden registered four different deflections on this possession by my count.

That's some incredible defense. It didn't really amount to much in that quarter — the Spurs ended up dropping 40 points to start the game.

Still! That's impressive work from Harden. And LA still ended up getting the win despite having to pull off a 26-point comeback.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: James Harden morphed into Kawhi Leonard for one play and stopped the Spurs all by himself