I hope the OKC series changes the Harden defense narrative.

James Harden has been consistently great on defense for the entire OKC series, in terms of both numbers and the eye test. Yes, I get that people have been praising his post defense more recently, but we've seen him play excellent defense on the perimeter as well.

I don't like the fact that I care what people outside of Rockets fans think about our superstar, but I do. And the fact that he closed the game/series out with a block and a ninja dodge makes my heart just a little bit warmer.

For all the struggles he had offensively this series (and don't forget, he's had awesome offensive games too) I've never once had to worry about James Harden on the defensive end.

 

What makes me mad is that this narrative was in part pushed by so-called Rockets fans in the first place. 2015-16 was a tough year and Harden had some defensive lowlights...but actually wasn't one of the worst players on that end of the floor. Crazy to think how one dumbass video has stuck with him for so long.

Also, I agree with you totally on his clutch defense. Offense comes and goes but if the effort is there defensively we'll always be in a good position to win any game. I'm not worried about James f*cking Harden finding a way to score.