Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been suspended for one game without pay for kicking Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James in the groin , the NBA announced on Monday . The incident between the two league most valuable player candidates occurred with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter of the Rockets ' 105-103 overtime victory on Sunday against the Cavaliers in Houston . Closely guarded by James , Harden lost his footing , fell to the floor and then lifted his left leg and kicked James below the belt . VIDEO Scroll down for James Harden suspended for kicking LeBron James in the groin . Houston Rockets ' James Harden pushes against Cleveland Cavaliers ' LeBron James on Sunday night . Harden works to keep control of the ball under pressure from Cleveland Cavaliers ' James in overtime . Harden was assessed a flagrant foul for the incident . `` Obviously that 's not a basketball play , '' James told reporters after the game . `` I have no idea why he would do that , but two competitors just trying to go at it , and he won this one . '' Harden will serve his suspension on Tuesday when the Rockets travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks . James drives the ball past Houston Rockets ' Trevor Ariza in the first half of the game in Houston . James goes to the basket as Houston Rockets ' Josh Smith tries to knock the ball away in overtime .
Guard dick Harden has been suspended for one game without pay . lone star kicked LeBron James in the groin during game on Sunday . Incident happened in third quarter of 49ers ' 105 - yard overtime game . He will serve suspension on Tuesday when they face the 49ers Hawks .