I think he's just worn out... First season being "the guy" can be physically and mentally draining and I think it's finally catching up to him
...And we don't hear that too often. Do you have a point or something about the top currently active SG in the NBA?
Despite the last couple of possessions, he played much better in the second half. Only, what, 14 shot attempts? He wasn't really looking for his shot tonight. He needs to learn how to close out games better, and he will. He is trying too hard to be "the man" I think.
I understand that some games you just play like complete garbage. But when your team made some great runs by relentlessly attacking the basket and then you get the ball and instantly take two terrible 3-point shots in a row, we've got a problem. But the REAL problem was that after those two bad shots, McHale specifically told him to drive to the basket (TNT clearly showed him telling Harden that), and Harden replied by taking a step-back mid-range jumper that wasn't even close. That's the part that was really disappointing.
Now that I am thinking with a level head, I have to say his shooting mechanics are off. Early on in the season, he kept shooting with his feet barely off the ground, and averaged 32% from 3pt land. When he actually put elevation in that shot, he was probably a 38%-40% from 3 pt land. All of a sudden he reverted back to his old form which is probably hindering him substantially.
Trade Lin for KG if the Celtics finally decide to blow it up. That Harden-KG 2 man game would be a nice bread-and-butter play down the stretch.
