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Harden's noticeable improvement in defensive focus.

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by flamingdts, Oct 12, 2017.

  1. snowconeman22

    snowconeman22 Member

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    I definitely noticed a couple nice off-ball steals last night ... He was paying attention and had his hands ready. It was nice to see.

    We can be so good this year . And james can continue to get even better !!
     
    ico4498 likes this.
  2. Swapshop

    Swapshop Member

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    Harden should just become Steph Curry that way nobody will harass him about his lack of defense.
     
    AirBud#10 and skroodup25 like this.
  3. MrButtocks

    MrButtocks Contributing Member

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    You must be joking. Switching is a common defensive strategy regardless of personnel. We used to switch Yao onto Kobe when Battier would get screened. Time after time. That was under JVG with Shane Battier: the most defensive coach and the hardest hustling defensive wing in the league at the time.
     
    D-rock likes this.
  4. RocketsFido

    RocketsFido Member

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    Honestly whenever CP3 and Harden shares the floor, Harden should always be off-ball and focusing on the defensive end. He definitely has the tools to be a good defender, especially losing some weight going into this season.
     
  5. JaceMan da SpaceMan

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  6. YaoMing#1

    YaoMing#1 Member

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    I think harden should be off ball More when cp3 is in the game but I understand why he has the ball a lot in preseason.

    One he's just better than cp3 because he's just a better scorer, mixed with passing while not as good as cp3 pretty darn close.

    But I think the real reason is that cp3 needs reps offball more than harden does.

    Harden while not much has made efforts to cut to the rim when cp3 has the ball and also run off screens away from the ball. I haven't noticed cp3 do any of that yet.

    Not that he won't but I think he has a bigger adjustment in the offball stuff compared to James and I think that's why we've seen James have the ball more running point when there both on the court.

    I think there just getting reps.
     
  7. rocketsballin

    rocketsballin Member

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    one of the best things to watch this year for rockets fans.
     
  8. Sidarma

    Sidarma Member

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    All I see is three former rockets, nothing to see here ;)
     
  9. don grahamleone

    don grahamleone Contributing Member

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    We should have won a championship with that squad except our starting point guard kept fainting.
     
  10. Nook

    Nook Member

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    The Rockets are going to switch with or without Harden. It is the philosophy of Jeff Bzdelik and one that is very common in the current NBA climate. The difference between the #15 defense and the #5 is often communication and everyone being on the same page. Thus far that is clearly better team wide. Harden hasn't been as good as Tucker or Moute (who is extremely underrated defensively) but it has been at worst average and better than Gordon's.
     
    saleem and DonKnock like this.
  11. s3ts

    s3ts Member

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    bump. lets not forget that Harden had 6 steals against the Pels last night.

    we have to continue to build the narrative that Harden has improved defensively.
     
    DonKnock, Deckard, Surfguy and 3 others like this.
  12. BigMaloe

    BigMaloe Contributing Member

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    Harden in the running for DPOY? :eek::eek::eek:
     
    DonKnock, slothy420 and s3ts like this.
  13. saleem

    saleem Contributing Member

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    As much as I want to see Capela to show better footwork and finishing near the basket, I'm convinced that the Rockets can upset the Spurs in a seven game series, if they improve on team defense. This has to be the focus in every game. Consistency can lead to big successes. The guys mustn't fall into the trap that they can outscore anyone that they want..
     
    D-rock and s3ts like this.
  14. s3ts

    s3ts Member

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    i'm just trying to get out the driveway, bruh.

    once Harden blossoms into a complete 2-way player, he's snatching that MVP trophy.
     
    DonKnock likes this.
  15. BigMaloe

    BigMaloe Contributing Member

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    IMHO, he’s been a complete 2way player all season so far
     
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  16. s3ts

    s3ts Member

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    shiet, you know what? why not.
     
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  17. OTMax

    OTMax Member

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    Top 5 in steals!
     
  18. Spacemoth

    Spacemoth Contributing Member

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    The thing I've admired most in post-CP3 Harden is how much better he takes care of the ball. Someone needs to compile his TO numbers before and after the return.
     
    DonKnock, J Sizzle, saleem and 2 others like this.
  19. vlaurelio

    vlaurelio Contributing Member

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    really helps having a superstar beside you and a very good defensive team built around you
     
    s3ts, DonKnock and J Sizzle like this.
  20. AirBud#10

    AirBud#10 Member

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    Rockets beating the Spurs wouldn't be an upset. It would be a tough series, but the Rockets would be favored.
     
    DonKnock and swordghost like this.

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