[The Ringer] Kevin O'Conner Defends James Harden, Hates Russell Westbrook

Did you miss the point that Harden's FT are down by more than a third but still the number 1 ranked player in the playoffs?

Harden is easily the most prolific offensive player in this series.

Every player has faults chowd, that does not mitigate the player's performance and efficiency.

Are you trying to imply that you expect perfection from Harden?

You are being ridiculous if so.

But oh so predictable.

 

Lol when did I claim that someone else is a more prolific scorer in this series?

I expect Harden to do some light running at the end of close games.

 

LOL

What does FT rate have to do with light running at end of games?

Sounds like another chowd fishing expedition.

 

lol

 

black non-rockets fans hate harden too. so don't just put that on white liberals.

 

I swear Westbrook's fingers are permanently jacked. He'll never have a consistent shot again, maybe even passing.

 

Harden's elite defense is likely why he may be gassed in the 4th.

 

Gordon seems to be the key, when he has a decent game offensively (getting to the rim and scoring) it opens everything up. WB is still a wildcard overall and a liability with the game on the line.

 

yea i definitely should have worded that better

 

Harden was a +6 in a game we lost by 4...

only 3 players had a positive net rating last night...Harden, PJ, and Rivers

Covington and Jeff Green got cooked by Chris Paul

Russ looked like he hadn’t touched a basketball since the injury and had multiple entries for “worst pass in the bubble”

Eric Gordon...I don’t even have to say any more about that pathetic scrub

Harden needs to take it back to the old days and play 40+ minutes while hopefully still having some gas left if it’s a close game in the 4th...for the majority of the series outside of that game 2 run by the bench, we have been atrocious when Harden is off the floor

 

40 minutes playing elite offense AND defense?

Not sure that is possible.

Green has regressed offensively since Russ returned. Rockets were killing OKC with 1-5 and 5-1 PnR with Harden-Green.

Need more of that to close out the quarters and maintain leads IMO.

 

that graph is so incredibly sad...wow

 

Russ is horrible when Harden sits, offensively and defensively.

This must change. Maybe he needs to have more Green and/or Rivers in his line ups and less EGo.

Sending up bat signal to @foggy94 - what are the most efficient Russ line ups and/or set plays?

And surprisingly, Rockets are better defensively when Russ plays WITH Harden.

 

Is this the real Gerald Green?

 

I don’t think any of OKC’s guards can hang with Russ in the post. If he’s backing them down and twisting and turning his way to the basket, they’re like rag dolls. As long as he doesn’t settle for a turnaround jumper, I need to see him in the post more. I don’t understand why he hasn’t so far this series

 

Nah man i dont think that is the answer. Like you said just about everyone other than james played bad, and it was still winnable. Other players just have a to play a little better. I mean literally only marginally better for us to win. We are the better team. I really cannot see us turning it over like that again. If it is close down the stretch i want james fresh.

 

confirmed

Clutchfans addicted to media like crack babbies

 

Wow...that's Chris Vernon?

Judging from only ever listening I assumed he was 50 years old.

 

that’s what it looked like to me in the game. Russ was the first action to try and get either a layup or a kick out 3. Then if that was snuffed out, harden iso. Unfortunately, Russ bungled 3 possessions. If anything, Harden should have demanded for the ball on at least one of those possessions.