I think the Westbrook hate stems from Harden being disrespected in comparison. I go to school with a lot of people from all over, and almost all act like its an absolute given that Westbrook is better. They act like its not even close, despite what Harden has done this year. What Westbrook is doing is unreal, but I consider him a Rockets rival and I predict Houston will soon distance themselves from Thunder based on strength of schedule, and people will need to give Harden his due. Also Westbrook somewhat stat chased which is kind of annoying
Westbrook is very reliant on his athletecism. I'd think Harden's game will age far better than Westbrook's
The Sixers had great defensive assets and that's how they got to the Finals. Even then, it wasn't like a murders row of competition. They beat the Pacers (a 41-41 team that had lost some of their key cogs from their own finals run the year before), the Raptors in 7 (their best season ever prior to last year... an "ok" 47-35 team that played good offense but was below average defensively), and the Bucks in 7 (the Bucls were a solid 52-30 that year, like the Raptors really good offensively with their little mini Big 3, and not so good defensively... this came to hurt them in the end, as AI put in a dominant Game 7, as did Deke frankly). Lost to the Lakers in 5. I think this year's Thunder could accomplish the same fate, frankly, if in the east in 2000-2001. Like others, I still hate Westbrooks out of control-ness at times. And clearly it's not taking them to the Finals in today's NBA, in the West. But it is amazing and impressive to watch. As impressive as KD's efficiency, the Warriors overall offense, Harden's control of the Rockets, Lebron's stealthy great season, AD's complete dominance offensively and defensively despite his roster, etc.
Harden will never get a quad double like that because once he realizes that he is near one, he will just make an easy pass to Bev or Gordon and let them be the point guard.
