Rockets' James Harden on bruised right knee: 'It can't get worse'

I do not like the idea of playing through pain. Pain is your body's way of telling you to rest.

 

Fun to juxtapose last night's quotes from hatas with Harden saying he'll play through pain

You call it like you see it, right, cheke

 

He missed some layups he usually makes and was 2-11 at one stage from the floor but he then adjusted and went 6-9 from there and played well. If he was fully fit he would have easily scored 45 last night. He was clearly slowed down by both the bruised calf and the knee.

 

I would definitely like the knee to be rested and ready. I am super happy we got the win, even though the game was much closer than I would have liked.

I will trust the medical staff to determine if he can go or not. I just don't want to make a bad situation worse.

 

The main risk of playing through pain is creating a body imbalance that risks another injury.

 

This is why I don't like when he goes crashing into the lane looking for a foul. To easy to bump knees. If I was a coach all players would be required to wear knee pads

 

Good point SealC. James is a warrior and doesn't use the excuse of a minor injury to sit. With Capela and Luc out, our solid rotation is a bit thin. I think if anything he should adjust his game and focus on jump shooting and minimize the full contact drives to the basket for a few games. I know this limits his game, but it also would reduce his exposure to the beatings he takes.

 

Take a seat & get that knee right. We'll see you in the new year. (Jan. 4th vs GS?)

Spoiler

Dec. 18 vs Utah
Dec. 20 vs LA Lakers
Dec. 22 vs LA Clippers
Dec. 25 @ Oklahoma City
Dec. 28 @ Boston
Dec. 29 @ Washington
Dec. 31 vs LA Lakers
Jan. 3 @ Orlando
Jan. 4 vs Golden State
(...if he takes a month off like Chris...)
Jan. 6 @ Detroit
Jan. 8 @ Chicago
Jan. 10 vs Portland
Jan. 12 @ Phoenix
Jan. 15 @ LA Clippers
Jan. 18 vs Minnesota
Jan. 20 vs Golden State

Who am I kidding? He'll be out there for all of 'em (at 40 MPG).

 

Sit him for the LA games and put him back in for Christmas

 

That's what we got Bobby Brown for.

 

Crazy how he still was able to put up the points he did. You should never trust those doctors fully as they could just say that so Harden will keep playing, making sure the Rockets keep winning.

 

Maybe time to incorporate a few post ups for him. We all know his midrange is that sauce, keep his knees out of the way for a minute. Coach, now is definitely not the time to lean on him more with a short rotation. It’s gotta expand, guys like Weber, Zhou and black especially have what it takes to contribute 5-10 minutes a game. Black saved the bacon for his position. i heard they’re replacing the rim today lol what a dunk....

I wonder what depths of depravity would have to take place for a flagrant foul to be called on a rockets opponent.

Here’s to the rockets getting healthy and remaining the best team in the nba.

 

Funny. When training for martial arts I am always told pain is weakness leaving the body. Somehow, I like your take better

 

If we are up by 12, I want him on the bench. Get a lead, sit him down, sustain lead, let Harden heal while not keeping him entirely off the court.

 

Pound for pound, I think Harden is likely the toughest guy to ever play the game.

Built like a Hummer, stronger than a tank.

 

Well...this ain't cool

 

I would rather have us tank to 3rd seed or something to rest Harden

 

I like the idea your body talking to you but you are over-interpretating it

 

Our roster is super thin right now with no Capela and Luc so Harden knows he has to play. Harden been playing through pain and injuries his whole career but hopefully he feels better soon