I wouldn’t mind the shots at the end if he was in a rhythm all game but he wasn’t they doubled him most of the game so he never got that rhythm of shooting the step back
They were open shots. If he hits those shots, threads like these wouldn't be getting made. But of course, it's James Harden. Every single miss will get criticized.
relax guys, it was just a meaningless regular season game. i wish we lost a couple more games to see where we can improve before playoffs start.
In the last 5 minutes Harden drove by my count 4 times. The first was a missed layup, the second was a TOV, the third was an easy layup on a defensive miscommunication, and the fourth was with 50 seconds left and he kicked out to an open House in the corner who missed. It's not just as simple as drive = easy 2 points. For instance, in one of his stepback 3 pointers he was clearly looking to drive but Nurkic was on the strong side with Tuck in the corner. Nurkic would have helped off and Harden would have kicked out to Tucker who was 2-6 from deep and 5-18 in his last two games. If he makes that pass and Tucker misses, are you coming on here and saying Harden needs to be more aggressive down the stretch and stop deferring to role players?
James can take whatever shot he wants. If he loses the ball due to a dumb turnover, then get mad, but a shot that he is very good at making is not a reason to be mad. Besides, as others have said, the Blazers formed a wall for James to get to the basket. He could of forced the issue, but he would of risked getting a charging call or getting the typical no call. Team sucked at the free throw line yesterday, otherwise we would of had this game.
We were a couple of times within reach and an easy 2 or attacking the basket would be my preference, especially when legs aren't there, which you cannot deny was an issue for Harden last night.
Hindsight is 20/20. The greatest scorer in his era deserves benefit of doubt. And as much as I love Russ, his shot selection last night is worthy of debate. But it was just 1 loss. After 2 consecutive epic come from behind exhausting wins.
Agreed, but what good is basketball forum if we can't nit pick every freaking game . It's funny that people are mad at Harden. I was angry at Russ for taking that fade away jump shot. We could of gotten a better shot.
