Somewhat knee jerk based on two games, but I see improvement, and it is mostly between the ears. The man seems to understand his own game more. More catch and shoot threes from deep beyond the arc. Last year, he would dribble some to shorten the three, or probe with a few moves instead of taking the open three when it is somewhat long. We have all heard how harden is statistically an outstanding catch and shoot guy. It appears that he has accepted the data and incorporated it into his game. His shot looks PURE. It was always good, but damn he is barely hitting rim from deep. I wonder if he has been working on the stroke. Less hurling himself into the defense hoping to be bailed out with a foul call. We saw a lot of that in the OKC series, and the problem is that when he didn't get the call, it would create a turnover and transition opportunity. He is still drawing fouls, but with a focus of trying to get a bucket. Of course, effort. I have seen multiple situations where the ball is ahead of him, but he puts his head down and chases to get back on defense. And situations where there is a loose ball that he probably won't get, but he spends the energy to go get it. It will be interesting to see if this holds up when we play good teams. But the early returns are encouraging.
He averaged 41-6.5-7 through his first two games last year. I wonder how many of you actually watched any games last year.
I watched all the games. His first two games involved the rockets playing a slightly higher version of pickup basketball with a lot of hero ball all since they had little time to gel. His pig in the first two games is beyond irrelevant as to his performance over the year last year, and the player he was in the playoffs. Honestly, I wonder if you examine the actual play rather than superficial ppg stats from an irrelevant period of time that was universally regarded as unsustainable. You might disagree that he has improved, but he basis for that disagreement is .. baseless
MVP!! I really like seeing him & Lin playing together they compliment each other on offense it's hard for a defense to stop two playmakers & they are unstoppable in transition both are just too fast, finish around the rim to good. harden looks good not forcing anything, if it's not there he can pass Harden will be MVP, CP3 will give him a run for his money going to depend on teams record. Parker is still a arguable same PG he closed game last night against the lakers with duncan out. This can give Harden the edge because he will be best SG without any argruments
I saw some offensive improment in these 2 games. Hope he can show the defense level which he performed in preseason.
And that is scary. Last night, for a player struggling with injuries, he was other worldly. Howard is a very nice addition,but Harden is the true super star.
My point it is two games. Too early to make any conclusions. He probably did get better, but after TWO games?
There were still times in the game where he took way too many steps away from Wayne Ellington, and just ball watched. If Gai Mekel had better court vision, Ellington would've had several open 3 pointers. Fighting over picks has been a huge problem for him so far this season
I agree with this. Looking closely at the game he does a great job of helping when he is on the weak side, and he always puts a hand up in the shooters face. On offense I agree he has improved as well, but that has a lot to do with DH. He has less pressure, teams just can't double team him anymore and leave an open lane for DH. Or leave one of our 3 pt shooters open. We have a legit contender on the floor.
For me, what's most impressive is that Harden's scoring a lot more easily now. A lot more control. This is important because he really needs to save himself for the playoffs. Last year you can tell he became fatigued towards the end of the season. The Rockets need to get Harden loose for more catch-and-shoot 3s. He's ridiculously good at them.
The crowd felt the same as you: "MVP, MVP, MVP!!!". Prest will look like a doufus by the of this year when Harden lifts his own trophy.
There are 3 players that I coud say with any defnitive conviction are better then James Durant, LBJ and maybe Paul.
I really like the three way combo of harden with lin, harden with beverly, and lin with beverly and aaron brooks is proving to be a great safety net. I think the chemistry is progressing well. Not to be too much too much of a homer, but other than free throw shooting, i think we have all bases covered to be a championship team. A good amount of the teams we play will require us to sub out Asik early (prob at the 6 to 7 min mark) but team like okc, memphis and SA, we're fully prepared.
Different from your original point but this is a fair one. It is a small sample size but I did note this is rather knee jerk off two games, and not against the contenders in the league. The true measure will be how he reacts/plays when we hit a losing skid, or we face contenders on the road.
I agree that all young players will improve. But the great ones show real improvement each offseason. Hakeem, Kobe, Lebron. And they all relied on natural ability and athleticism for several years before they matured and realized they needed to refine their games each offseason. If harden shows this maturation and self awareness at 24, he is well ahead of the curve for the great players. Also, it means that he will not be the type of gifted player that has will not take the next step, like Blake griffin for example. Frankly, you could put McGrady in the group with griffin as gifted folks that didn't hone their craft or put in the work.
