James Harden is quietly having his best playoff run as a Rocket

His critics aren't going to care what he does in round 1, against OKC.

A round 2 victory over LeBron James is a different story, though.

 

As always, your takes are so well thought out and convincing.

LOL

Do you still need help understanding +/-?

 

Looky here.

 

Yeah but against the thunder if he has a average game those same critics will tear him to shreds. So if you gonna crucify him for a bad game then also give him credit for the good games. Double standard is repulsive.
Asian sensation and the likes of fchowder have different agendas.

 

Media: "Rockets sweep Lakers despite presence of Harden"

 

Criticism will stop when/if he leads a team to a title, similar to other elite MVP type players. Not folding in big moments will cut down some of the criticism if he fails to ring.

 

I think in a potential LAL vs HOU matchup, LAL is enough of a favorite that Harden putting in a great performance to beat them will significantly help his postseason image. Even if he eventually loses in round 3.

 

Why you are so sure Rockets "eventually" lose in round 3?

 

Does the word "if" imply certainty to you?

 

As a consistent Harden critic, I will co-sign this statement. If they beat the lakers, I will publicly and privately admit that: "Harden proved me wrong."

For the record, I want this to happen. I am not one of those people who values their own takes over team success.

 

FAQS

 

Reading comprehension: needs improvement.

 

Harden had an amazing game 5. That was MVP, HOF level, awe inspiring, Hakeem Olajuwonesque, beloved forever in Houston play. But the problem is he also has game 3s and 4s as well as Spurs game 6 and several others where he just completely checks out. He becomes passive, just dribbles up slow as a turtle and then jacks up 3s from just beyond half court trots back to play ole defense. He looks sulky and disinterested. The issue is he has done this not once but several times over the years and he just did it again in game 4 of this series.

In 30 years of watching the NBA I can never recall seeing a superstar consistently look like a HOFer as well as have games where he should be benched for his lack of energy. And it happens in the damn playoffs over and over!

Until we see a consistent effort during an entire playoff run Harden continues to deserve some criticism.

 

I agree mostly, some criticism is fine. The level of criticism he gets is not commiserate with the level of play. And definitely not the same criticism other stars get for worse performances.

 

It’s not going to be Harden to turn the page this time around

 

FAX

 

Well both words should not be in same sentence.

The word "eventually" does imply predetermined outcome.

Using both words together generates a misperception at best.

 

Even Hakeem did not win every playoff game.

The expectations for Harden are unrealistic.

 

Coming from the guy who has no clue how to apply +/- this is hilarious.

LOL

 

OK, well I meant "eventually" as "ends up" in that sentence. I've said from the beginning that these playoffs are highly unpredictable. I have no certainty of any team winning or losing a series.