"What he's doing is incredible," Rockets guard Austin Rivers told ESPN. "What he's doing is a Kobe. Man, that's a Kobe run. That's what he's doing. He's doing it so effortlessly. That's the thing. It's not like he's forcing it or like he's shooting the ball every time. I mean, it's crazy. He's just different, man. "For real, you can't stop him. Back-to-back [MVP]. He's going to end up winning this s--- back to back. Nobody in the league can do what he's doing right now. He's winning back-to-back MVPs. It's incredible." This is the new narrative in the MVP race as of this morning. I've already seen 3 different talking heads this morning say that Harden wasn't even in the MVP race 2 - 3 weeks ago and now he's the only choice for front runner. Hottest player in basketball on the hottest team in basketball putting up historic numbers and win after win regardless of injuries or defensive schemes or level of competition. Harden and the Rockets are defeating the national media bias through the relentless application of irrefutable greatness.
James Harden stays hot with 43-point triple-double vs. Grizzlies HOUSTON -- A historic run by reigning MVP James Harden has allowed the Houston Rockets to rise in the Western Conference standings and has awed his coaches and teammates. Harden continued his roll with a 43-point triple-double on Monday to carry the Rockets to a 113-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, pulling Houston (21-15) into a tie for fourth place in the West standings less than three weeks after they were 14th in the conference. Harden now has 408 points in his past 10 games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau research, Harden joined Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the only players in the past three decades to score at least 400 points over a 10-game span. He's the first player since Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook two seasons ago to have four straight 40-plus-point performances, something that had never been done in Rockets history. "What he's doing is incredible," Rockets guard Austin Rivers told ESPN. "What he's doing is a Kobe. Man, that's a Kobe run. That's what he's doing. He's doing it so effortlessly. That's the thing. It's not like he's forcing it or like he's shooting the ball every time. I mean, it's crazy. He's just different, man. "For real, you can't stop him. Back-to-back [MVP]. He's going to end up winning this s--- back to back. Nobody in the league can do what he's doing right now. He's winning back-to-back MVPs. It's incredible." Harden is averaging 39.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 2.1 steals during the Rockets' 10-1 run. He has eight consecutive games of at least 35 points and five assists, breaking a record set by Hall of Fame guard Oscar Robertson. And Harden has three of his four triple-doubles this season during Houston's hot streak. "I don't know how you get any better than what he's playing," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Defensively, too. He comes up with steals, triple-doubles like it's nothing. So, yeah, he's playing at a different level." Harden described the Rockets' win over the Grizzlies as "a little bit ugly," harping on his nine turnovers instead of celebrating his 43 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. He was 8-of-19 from the floor, 6-of-12 from 3-point range and 21-of-27 from the line, setting a career high for free throws attempted. Clint Capela for easy baskets, exploiting Memphis' attempts to force the ball out of his hands. "Other teams just have to trap him, because one-on-one, you can't stop him," said Capela, who had 19 points and 13 rebounds in the win. "You just can't. He's been doing it for 10-plus games now at that level. Right now, he's playing at the best level in the league as a player. If he keeps going that way, obviously he's going to be the MVP." Harden, who according to ESPN Stats & Information research joined Golden State's Stephen Curry as the only players ever to hit at least five 3-pointers in seven straight games, put exclamation points on his spectacular first half by drilling a pair of deep, off-the-dribble 3s on the Rockets' last two possessions. He pulled up from 32 feet with 32.3 seconds remaining and beat the halftime buzzer with a 28-foot step-back that gave the Rockets a 61-38 lead. "It's crazy, man," injured Rockets guard Chris Paul said at halftime. "It's crazy to watch the games and to witness it. ... What he's doing is unreal."
I mean the narrative isn't shifting just because a teammate praises him. Nick Wright is our only hope in the media.
Lol they got no choice Even the blind can see James Harden is one of the greatest guards in the history of basketball
if he drops at least 35 @ Oracle on national TV and gets the win with the roster we’re trotting our right now he will be viewed as the MVP front runner
Watch Harden regress back to a mere 30 ppg, the media will say that his game "has really fallen off" while Giannis "has been steady all year long"
Any concern that Harden will burn out pretty soon here? Will the Rockets be able to win without him averaging 35+ ppg?
Yes - we all saw it last night. Harden was gassed in the 2nd half and no where near as effective down the stretch. Once Gordon and Paul are back, I think we'll see Harden drop back to 34- 35 minutes a game and that will eat into the volume of his scoring. The Rockets look like they will have an excellent four guard rotation (maybe the best ever) and that is huge for both now and in the playoffs. The Rockets have to eventually get him more rest to have any chance in the playoffs, but right now the number one priority is MAKING the playoffs and securing home field. He can rest once the Rockets are securely back at the top of the Western Conference standings.
Because if there is anything the media loves more than their hate of Harden it is their love for Kobe/Jordan. It would look funny if they trashed Harden while they showed him in the same graphic as Kobe and Jordan.
Uh, dont you mean Lebron James? The media's obsession with Lebron is unlike any athlete in sports history. No comparison
That - OR the media will start saying that our bench is the best in the league and Harden has too much help , the Warriors are thin this year. Nothing surprises anymore.
