Harden’s NBA record streak of consecutive games to start a season with 10+ free throw attempts came to an end tonight. A few tough no-calls go his way, and he could have kept it going.
If the team plan is to double team him as soon as he crosses the half court line, and force the ball out of his hands all game, it is close to impossible to keep the streak going. If he was played on single coverage the streak would have gone on.
If we could win like this every night I'm sure Harden wouldn't mind. He made great decision after great decision when they doubled him. If we had a few more games like this our offense could work out the kinks and be frightening as hell for any team to dare double him.
Why don’t the rockets play zone busting 101? It’s because everyone is at the 3 ot corners. All they have to do is have harden pass to the middle and attack the middle and have 1 guy each side of the paint in the “hot zones” or back door them.
They weren't just doubling him, they were also guarding him full court and as soon as he passed half court, he was doubled. If Westbrook could just be more dependable offensively, our offense would take off and we would be unstoppable. Harden is literally allowing the team to play 4 on 3. I welcome this, he had a ton of energy tonight on the defensive end since he wasn't trying to force anything. Beautiful basketball minus Westbrook's ugly approach to the game.
CORRECTION: The record was consecutive games to start an NBA season with 10+ free throw attempts. Wilt somehow had 53 consecutive games with 10+ FTAs in the middle of the 61-62 season (the one in which he averaged 50 ppg). Harden's streak was the second longest in NBA history, going back to the end of last season, with 22 consecutive games with 10+ FTAs.
Yeah this game proves Harden’s unselfishness. Every sports player is aware of their numbers and stats going in, but he willingly sacrificed and didn’t force any shots, especially since the cavalry was shooting well. This should be discussed more when talking about JH13
That doesn't fit the narrative though. You even have idiot Rockets fans that believe James plays selfishly lol. The media has done a great job completely killing Harden's brand. The irony is that Harden is one of the most chill guys and is always happy to answer questions and rarely speaks out against anybody. People just hate him because of some stupid video, his strip club deal and because he shoots free throws. The guy doesn't get in trouble, is incredibly respectful and is a good dude overall. I feel for him, I know it isn't him, it's the fact that he plays for Houston. The media has always hated this City. The media can go **** themselves.
Be interesting to see how Luka responds to schemes that are coming his way, soon, from many teams. Will he be "figured out." Harden, yet again, figuring out schemes a Top Coach say he's never played before.
My post isn't about it working or not (it didn't), but rather if it will work against Luka, and further whether he even thinks it's necessary, to beat the Mavs.
Can MDA limit the shooting of westbrooks to 15 times each match? He can increase our rebounds. Capela, Ben and Rivers can shoot more accurately. It can have easy win. Please stop him to chase for his statistic for enjoyment.