“Nobody wants to see that bum,” this is one of the comments made by a fan, reacting to James Harden’s latest link-up with the San Francisco 49ers. The 15 seasons experienced superstar guard has been a loyal 49ers fan for a long time. And every ardent fan of his would know that. But, tonight, the Beard fell prey to the rampant social media troll just for featuring alongside the Bay Area team’s players. Notably, fans didn’t stop at that. They went on to call Harden a curse, despite their impressive win.
On Thursday evening, the 49ers took on the Seattle Seahawks at the Lumen Field and produced a comfortable 36-24 win. Following the win, Harden stood in the tunnel to receive the players. And, to his surprise, he celebrated the win with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Geroge Odum. Moreover, Samuel made the occasion even more special when he embraced the Clippers guard and signed a jersey for him.
It was indeed a special link-up with Deebo after his outstanding performance, recording his second 100-yard game of the season that included three catches and a touchdown. Some may wonder if this might be an out-of-the-blue stunt from James Harden. But, in reality, he has been doing this since 2013.
The Beard entered Candlestick Park to witness the season opener and linked up with then-coach Jim Harbaugh. Following the visit, he even thanked the management with an X post that read, “I want to Thank everyone in the @49ers organization for showing love and making me feel at home today!” Despite his loyalty and the team’s latest success, fans considered the 10x All-Star a curse.
Harden's History with the 49ers
While we have established Harden’s long-standing relationship with the 49ers, a fan quickly reacting to the link-up video wrote, “GET THAT CURSE AWAY FROM MY TEAM.” Well, this isn’t just some random words thrown at the guard. Looking back at his NBA career, Harden, albeit skilled, hasn’t won a championship. Moreover, despite the star’s ability to win an MVP award, most fans consider the 35-year-old to ‘choke’ when it mattered.
And to add further detail to the reaction, another fan wrote, “A guy that chokes in the playoffs every year supporting a team that chokes in the playoffs every year!” In his 15-season-long career, Harden has made it to the Finals only once, that too in 2012, during his time with the Thunder. Unfortunately, he wasn’t any help in the intense match-up against the Heat, averaging 12.4 points, including three single-digit scores. On the other hand, the 49ers have a similar reputation in the playoffs. Especially in the last three seasons, the team has come so close to winning the Super Bowl and ended up blowing it.
Is Harden the Real Reason for 49ers' Defense Struggles?
Another fan went a step further and wrote, “Is THAT why our defense is underperforming this season????” Well, the fan isn’t completely wrong with his statement. This season, the 49ers have one of the worst defenses in the league, giving up 6.1 yards per play, which is the third worst in the league. However, at the same time, it can’t be linked to James Harden’s affiliation to the side.
The 49ers' recent success, despite the defense struggles, has fueled a debate among fans. Some fans believe Harden's presence might be a bad omen for the team, while others see it as pure coincidence. There's no denying the team's playoff struggles, but associating them directly with Harden's presence seems like an oversimplification. It's more likely a complex combination of factors contributing to the team's ups and downs.
The 'Harden Curse' - Fact or Fiction?
Ultimately, the question of whether Harden is a curse for the 49ers remains a matter of individual opinion. It's a playful argument fueled by fans' passion and desire to see their team succeed. It's a reminder that sports are full of superstition, and that sometimes, a bit of fun and lighthearted banter goes a long way.
While the 49ers' defense struggles might be a cause for concern, it's crucial to separate the hype from reality. James Harden's support for the team, while drawing attention, is unlikely to be a major contributing factor to their performance on the field. It's a fascinating narrative for fans to discuss, but the true impact of the 'Harden curse' is yet to be determined.
