Myth that James Hardens play drops in the playoffs

Interesting video. A little discouraging that both of our HOF players are on the wrong side of the picture at the very end of the video.

WRT to Harden, basic takeway as I understood it is that based on boxscore statistics his performance has consistently dropped, but when you factor in +/- data there isn't really a significant drop in overall impact.

 

I don't believe so. That would be Joe Sill:

http://www.sloansportsconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/joeSillSloanSportsPaperWithLogo.pdf

But Ben Taylor has done a lot of good work on his blog and with other stats sites, including that Top 40 GOAT series last year. His book, Thinking Basketball, is also pretty interesting.

 

Harden's issues to me have always been about maintaining his shooting %'s during the postseason.

His volume stays similar, yet shooting % drops, meaning he has to exert more effort to get the same number of points, making up for the lost points via drives to the room or free throws, both of which are very taxing on the body. If he can hit shots at a higher clip, he will be able to conserve more energy and be more consistent throughout the game.

His improved step back three (and to a lesser degree his floater)will be the big key to maintaining that impact this postseason. If those two weapons hold true, we will finally see Harden in his most complete and consistent form.

Rest of the team hitting shots will also help keep the load off and allow him to be fresh for the warriors. An all time great series from him is almost a must in order to win against the dubs, but I think he is primed to put on a spectacular show.

 

This... to say that his play doesn’t dip just isn’t true.

If you look @ just his stat line from game 7 last year he did his job... look at the percentages it tells a different store.

That damn floater he’s developed is sooooo good I think it might just make him impossible to guard even in the playoffs

 

The step back 3 in and of itself is enough to be almost impervious to playoff defenses.

The key really has to be his teammates hitting 3s at 33% clip.....I’m not asking too much here...

 

If James can maintain his level of play in the post season, i like our chances. Of course, other guys will have to step up. But the biggest variance to me is James continuing to be at this level.

 

Danuel house playing like he still homeless after rockets cut him!