VIDEO: Stop the presses, James Harden plays defense

Unicorns. Leprechauns. Bigfoot.

What do these things have in common? Each are as mythical and elusive as James Harden's defense.

On the same day he attempted to justify his inconsistent production - not to mention effort - on the defensive end, the Houston Rockets superstar bucked his own trend.

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Norris Cole never saw, nor expected, Harden to go for the rare block.

"The Beard" and his perfectly-timed swat preserved the Rockets' 88-87 lead during a pivotal stretch in the fourth quarter.