Come on man. Harden was in the playoffs every year, he played lots of games. One statistically horrible game at the wrong time doesn’t make him a choker, anymore than barely losing to a super team that had several stars and a deep bench makes him a choker. Harden’s game speaks for itself. He’s no more a choker than Curry or Lebron, he is a generational talent, and his overall playoff performance has been strong. It’s just that basketball is a team’s game, and sometimes a game of bad luck or injuries or bad calls.
I remember there's a post about Harden's stats in elimination games, or the Rockets' stats with Harden in elimination games. It didn't look very good. Harden's overall playoffs numbers are pretty good, in line with his overall production. But there are some memorable stinking crucial playoffs games that got him the choker reputation, fair or not.
Curry failed to make the playoffs and he's an MVP candidate. If Harden wins a title with the Nets people will brush it off even though Lebron has won every title of his in the same way.
A handful of memorable closing moments for Harden in the playoffs will do a lot for his rep. The block on Dort last year was one memorable moment for him. He needs a few more like that. People wonder why Lillard gets a pass with his overall playoff numbers. It's the 3 or 4 dramatic game winners he's had that's done it.
it wasnt a 60 win team no more, since westbrook was injured previously... and it was a choke...a mental lapse or fragility...how do you let 39 years old derrek fischer stop you in the clutch?
Harden can only overcome his reputation with a championship This is what i think ia really unfair about his reputation. The reputation started in the OKC vs Miami Finals. A young Harden who wasn't even a starter was assigned Lebron. LeBron wins his first championship under a controversial cloud over putting the team together and the hate against him transfers to Harden because people are so mad at LeBron winning they partly blame Harden
Steve nash is a horrible coach. He just gives them the ball and the players just improvise on the fly Harden should be generating the offense everytime he is on the court
I don't think Harden is a choker, i think that narrative is overblown. However, he does not seem to thrive under the highest pressure. I don't think it's possible to find excuses for that Game 6 vs Spurs. That's one of the most horrific choke jobs ever. I don't think that makes him a playoff choker, it's just something to keep in mind before calling him the best player in the league all the time.
Harden with the Warriors instead of Curry would've been more unstoppable than before. Klay would be a perennial MVP and have his career prolonged. Dray would've gotten that Midas touch that made serviceable shooters out McLemore, House, and other bums, while adding his playmaking threat.
Wow 2 40 point games and a near 20 assist game from 3 players on the same team. The offensive stats this season are crazy.
Whelp hope the fans in Brooklyn appreciate him more than some posters on this site. Now hardens gone we r hyping literally anybody that can get to 20 points per game.
