After a 39-point loss in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Spurs, Rockets‘ point guard James Harden has been scrutinized for his poor performance in the series-clinching game. Harden posted just 10 points on 2-of-11 shooting with six turnovers, one game after he posted similar totals of 10 points (3-of-11 shooting) and six turnovers in the second half and overtime of a 110-107 loss in Game 5.
Harden enjoyed a historic regular season, averaging 29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game. He is in the conversation for the Most Valuable Player award with fellow point guard Russell Westbrook, who became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season. Now, looking back at Harden’s two clunkers, fatigue from a strenuous season may have set in.
Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni said in his exit interview with reporters, including ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, that perhaps resting Harden more next season will keep him sharper.
“All great players think they can do everything,” D’Antoni said. “Maybe he does need to take a game off here and there. ‘Hey, you’re nicked up a little bit, don’t play, maybe.’ Something to talk about, but that’s also his greatness, too. So it’s hard. It’s very delicate.”
Harden played in 81 regular season games, his third consecutive season of at least 81 games. If Harden’s playoff games over the last three years are added, he has played in 277 total games. Both D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey indicated that getting Harden, who turns 28 in August, more rest will be a goal next season.
“The offense will get better,” D’Antoni added.“I can get him off the ball some. I can save his legs a little bit and have more confidence [in other ball handlers]. Pat Beverley can run the team a little bit. We can do different things.”
That leaves a few things to be considered: Was fatigue to blame in Harden’s poor Game 5 and Game 6 outings or was it just a few off nights? Also, does it makes sense for the Rockets to rest him more frequently next season despite his tremendous offensive production?
Share your thoughts on Harden in the comments section below!
I am definitely biased because I am a Harden fan but the fact is people don’t appreciate his consistency/endurance enough. To miss 2 games in 3 years and play at a MVP-caliber level for 2 of those years and All Star the other year is incredible. Not to mention the ridiculous season he had this year. I know he now has a couple REALLY bad games to close out 2015 and 2017 and that lies squarely on him. But for people to say he is trash etc is just mind boggling to me. With all of his defensive improvements the guy is a Top 5/10 player in the league no question. Hopefully one of these years he can get back to the finals and silence all the haters
I’m biased because I am not a fan of Harden. He is a great player, but he had the most turnovers in NBA history this year at almost 6 a game. That absolutely kills the team and even despite how good he is on offense his defense is still bad. His net rating this year was -.06 because Houston was so much better defensively with Harden and not absolutely terrible on offense without him. Just to compare, Lebron had a 14 net rating. It is absolutely ridiculous that Lebron doesn’t get the MVP every year besides maybe Curry’s MVP year.
He’s a good player but I think he tries too hard. Every game I have seen him play in for the past 4 years he tries to put the team on his back and do everything. Trust your teammates more dude. Not everyone can be Kobe haha.
He was criticized for ballhogging in game 5 OT, so the next day he refused to shoot.
He was being a brat because he couldn’t take the scrutiny.
hes over rated…Dantonis offense inflates numbers….this nonsense that he needs rest is BS. He had enough energy to patty after his team got blown out. hes definitely not an MVP sont care what the NBA says.
Worst performance by a MVP caliber player in postseason history that I have witnessed, and no that’s not an exaggeration. He simply looked like he was done after the 1st Q. This game is gonna be brought up for rest of his career if or when he wins a title.
JMO, but I think Harden has some bad habits that caught up with him. Hanging out, partying and messing around with females after games depleted him. He looked spent, worn out with no energy to expend. I also think he has a poor diet. His performances in the biggest games shows he is not a superstar yet. This has happened to him before in OKC and with Houston…it’s a pattern.
I believe the Defense stifled Harden and took his will. It’s happened before in playoffs when he faced the Heat. Unfortunately, Dantoni don’t make any adjustments to mitigate or counter Pop”s plan of attack. It’s sad because they were in drivers seat and couldn’t take advantage of a kawi & Parker less team.