Classic causation does not imply correlation. If they're playing the exact same way, and Harden is missing more shots, then of course they have a lower likelihood of winning. If he's taking fewer shots, and actively moving the ball, and they suck, that would MAYBE say something. We'd still have to factor in whether the "others" are prepared for that "change" in system. In other words, they can't just play one way much of the time, then switch, and expect "ROLE" players to adjust their roles. All that said, the Rockets are 0-4 when Harden takes less than 19 shots. 13-2 when he takes 19 or more. Only one "bad" volume shooting night really.
I got faith my brother the shots have to start falling. Of course if we could ekk out some minutes for Chris Clemons I bet some of those wide open shots would go down
Just because Causation doesn’t automatically imply Correlation it certainly doesn’t preclude it either. Statistically though, when two factors seem to be correlated by consistent results, they generally are correlated to some greater or lesser degree. This is one of the fundamental basis of both science and mathematics. But let’s set aside the philosophical banter and go to the math. It is irrefutable that Harden generates more points per shot attempt than any other high volume shooter in history. Therefore Harden taking more shots is more efficient in scoring than the vast majority of other options on offense. There is a statistically provable correlation between efficiency on offense and winning. So there is your proof. Harden scoring is more efficient at volume than other scoring options and efficient scoring creates more wins.
Yes. I put the Rockets somewhere between the top of Tier 2 middle of Tier 1 In each of those games, the Rockets were winning after the first half. Other team made adjustments, Rockets live by the three and died by the three. They should have beat the Bucks winning by 16 at the half., but the three wasn't falling and they didn't adjust. Bucks Win. In the first Clipper's game, Kahwi didn't look all that great even though his stat line looked good. He looked uncomfortable and out of place and Clippers played without Paul George. Rockets were destroying them in the first quarter. Doc made some obvious adjustments and made the Rockets play his game. Clippers came back. Rockets made no adjustments and had to rely on Harden's 47 points to win. This is the one game they won. Rockets not going to win like that against Tier 1 teams in a 7 game series this year and if they have to play two top tier teams like that in back to back series, Harden will be worn out as he was obviously in previous years. Clippers flat out outplayed Rockets in the second game. Aside from this year, The Warriors adapted to games better, were better coached, had better shooters, better players, played better defense than the Rockets. When you get bounced by the same team repeatedly, that weak narrative becomes pretty darn strong. And they lost against the Warriors. They didn't get a chance to play 'everyone else'. Again, if they are to win this year, RW has to be tamed and directed to attack the rim at all costs.
