He had a subpar offensive game ... I get it . But you can't question his effort and defense tonight . Also , it's not like he didn't contribute . When he came in for the 4th he attacked the basket strongly and got to the line . He also made the right pass to E.G. . His shot will bounce back .
Winning this game saved Harden's career big time. This loss could've incurred worse damage to Harden's reputation than last year's Spurs series. I mean, Harden literally broke the record with the most missed threes in a playoff game, smh.
Because he's the MVP and is not playing like one. It's moments like these where he has the opportunity to shut the media up but doesn't.
I'm a critic of Harden, but it comes from a place of wanting his legacy to be great as a Houston Rocket. I feel bad that this dude can't win, even when he wins.. Harden is going full out on defense when it matters.. That is so far from the norm he should be recognized for it.
Being the MVP is doing what it takes to win . He made the right plays down the stretch and chose to trust in his team and devote his energy to D
When you are a mvp and top 5 player the bar is set high tonight he was great on defense but 5-21 is inexcusable
His shooting was terrible but he played solid defense. He made his free throws. Had some nice assists too. The disappointment comes from knowing how great he can be. He isn't living up to his potential right now. Missing 18 threes in a row is brutal but that just means he's going to hit 15 in a row to average out the numbers. We could always see if OKC will trade Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb back to us for Harden.
Harden Played like ASS. He played good defense so I will forgive him for 0-11 from the 3point line. I am so freaking worried about cp3 injury. I don’t think I can sleep tonight. Harden Will bounce back. He is due for a big game soon.
We are up 3-2 on a GOAT team and people are complaining There is no other way too put it. Our fans are garbage..just absolutely pathetic fans.
Unfortunately, Harden laying stinky feces on the court in a live-or-die playoff game is not out of his norm. Actually, it's pretty much what's expected from him considering his past, and it's so sad that it's gotten this predictable. If it's a really important game in the playoffs, there's a 80+% chance that Harden will suck. It is what it is.
I agree, people are blowing out of proportion how badly James played... He missed a lot of shots that are right in his repertoire tonight, and I think some of it was just bad luck, and some of it was just how much energy he spent on defense. At least unlike a guy like Westbrook, he knew when to just not shoot and give it up to teammates.
it's excusable when you win.. None of this will matter when he finally shows up on offense Harden got 40+ game 1.. Played a traditional MVP game (got absolutely roasted on defense) and the Rockets lost. Harden has been playing defense and has been arguably more valuable to the team than his offense. in the last 2 absolutely ugly, brutal WINS, the defense has been key. When Harden shows up defensively, I think it makes everyone want to hustle harder.
