Kevin Porter Jr. shows maturity, growth as Rockets outlast James Harden, 76ers

HOUSTON — Webster’s dictionary defines doppelgänger as a counterpart of a living person. In layman’s terms, it means someone may look like you or possess similar characteristics or mannerisms.

For former Houston superstar James Harden, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, facing Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Monday night at Toyota Center may have felt like looking in a mirror.

Porter is left-handed, the same as Harden. Like Harden, he has a natural ability to get to the basket with length, footwork and a quick first step. Porter is developing into a good 3-point shooter, which Harden has mastered. With an ability to create open shots, Porter does many things Harden did when he was in Houston, except for wearing the No. 13 jersey (which is being retired).

“That was my idol,” Porter during Monday’s postgame press conference. “That is someone I put a lot of work in when it comes to film and studying before I even got to the NBA. So, when I got to the NBA, I definitely wanted to challenge him and continue to follow in his greatness. That was my idol, but I am definitely going after him.”

All that film study and going up against Harden in summer pickup games worked in favor of the Rockets (7-17) during their 132-123 double-overtime victory versus the visiting 76ers.

“That is someone I put a lot of work in when it comes to film and studying before I even got into the NBA,” said Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. about former Rockets guard James Harden. #LightTheFuse #Sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/QYNWNXuGrd

— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) December 6, 2022

With 10 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Harden dribbled at the top of the key, preparing to take the game-winning shot, as he had done on numerous occasions in a Rockets uniform. 76ers center Joel Embiid tried to set a screen to give Harden more room to operate, but Porter fought through it and stayed in front of him.

There was no way Porter would have anyone else guarding the former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) but himself.

As Harden went into his patented between-the-legs dribble to create space for his lethal step-back jump shot, Porter stayed right with him and blocked his shot, allowing the Rockets to go into overtime.

“I knew exactly what he was about to do because I have watched a ton of film on him,” Porter said postgame. “I was not going to end up on the highlights with him hitting that shot on me.”

Kevin Porter Jr in the win vs the 76ers

24 Points
FT forces double OT
Blocks Harden at the end of regulationpic.twitter.com/Oq29TlUGsv

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 6, 2022

Harden had another opportunity to win the game at the conclusion of the first overtime session. But once again, it was the defense of Porter that disrupted the rhythm of his shot as time expired.

Porter finished with 24 points, and his impact was felt throughout the game as he helped his team come back from a double-digit deficit. His play this season has caught the attention of numerous players and coaches around the league, including 76ers head coach Doc Rivers.

“Maturity is important in life, and you can see it in his game,” Rivers said of Porter. “You can see it in his shot selection, demeanor, just everything. The kid is skilled. We already knew that, but he had to do all the other things to become a really good NBA player, and it looks like he is on that route.”

“Maturity is important in life and you can see it in his game,” said Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers on Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. #LightTheFuse #Sarge @Kevinporterjr @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/AuBRg8whHP

— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) December 6, 2022