I think a big reason for the Rocket's slump is Harden's poor shooting, he's been building a big BRICK mansion: Apr 27 vs. OKC1 9 - 22 Apr 24 @ OKC1 9 - 24 Apr 21 @ OKC1 6 - 19 Apr 17 @ LAL 8 - 25 Apr 15 @ PHX 5 - 18 Apr 14 vs. SAC 11 - 16 Apr 12 vs. MEM 7 - 24 Apr 09 vs. PHX 9 - 21 Apr 06 @ DEN 2 - 10 Apr 05 @ POR 11 - 21 Apr 03 @ SAC 7 - 19 Mar 29 @ MEM 3 - 9 Mar 27 vs. IND 6 - 24 Mar 24 vs. SAS 6 - 16 Mar 22 vs. CLE 5 - 9 Mar 20 vs. UTA 5 - 14 Mar 17 vs. GSW 6 - 16 He has played between 40-45 minutes in this stretch. I know we were fighting for playoff position but I feel the coaches need to make him more accountable if he is going to improve as a player. I also think this team is too Harden reliant. I know the rockets love of Harden makes this topic a little taboo but how long will this kind of shooting performance be allowed to continue before something is done?
You seem to forget all of the games that he won for us. He will continue to improve, be patient. Its his first year as the man.
ehh he's new. If he doesnt get the job done by next year he'll start getting the Melo treatment. I mean Harden can play like Melo the other day, score a lot of points taking 35 shots in a loss and the people here probably still wouldnt care.
First of all, it's not a taboo and everyone is aware of his shooting slump. Second of all, what do you want the coaches to do if he is missing shots? Even if he is shooting 20% he is still the best player on the floor and makes the most impact. If by accountable, you mean we should bench him because he can't find his jumpshot, then 90% of this team should be on the bench. If by accountable you mean defense, then yes I agree he can put more effort in it.
Actually, I wasn't even thinking of defensive accountability but I think his defense is pretty bad. By accountable, I mean if he is shooting 3 of 14 in the first half, the coaches should advise him to alter his game and teach him when to stop. Too often he is finishing with stats like 8 / 27 which is not acceptable. It should never reach those proportions, I think that's really detrimental to the team.
I blame Mchale for not resting Harden the last 4 games of the regular season after clinching a playoff spot.
Harden is a threat whether he's shooting or not, so if the shot is not falling, he should be held accountable for not using his other amazing skills, whether it be passing, or moving without the ball, or D, or just being a leader. I think he's more a Lebron James than a Kobe, in the sense that he can help the team more with his variety of skills rather than willing them to win by just scoring. This in turn will allow him to expend a little more energy on D. But of course this is where the "youth" comes in as far as decision making, but also where McHale should have been a little more strict through the season. Too late now though, hopefully next season he'll be held accountable, along with the rest of the team.
its more about finding a serviceable backup, the minutes probably wear down and putting things on his back.
James Anderson is more than capable of backing up Harden imo. No idea why he doesn't get more minutes.
You just need to appreciate that we're in the playoffs, and that no one expected us to be here. I know I do, why don't you, stop being negative. I might start a thread about this in fact. ....I'm joking btw lol
Harden sux. Just not physically gifted enough to be elite. I honestly don't think he will ever be able to get off a shot whenever he wants like the elite ie: melo kobe james.
Yeah that play that he a turnover and lost the only thunder player down the court for an open 3. Baaaaaad
