Harden made an adjustment to his drives — deceleration moves with cross-over

Every year James has something new. Yet he still won’t get the credit he deserves because he plays in the same conference as a dynasty.

 

...Do you really think it’s by chance? He’s not playing Gobert anymore.

 

He had an opening to shoot a midrange jumper on a number of those.

 

Harden is the man!

 

Harden is so easy to take for granted. He's big and physical for a PG... he's not particularly quick... he doesn't get knocked to the ground on every drive. He just delivers. (I could say more but I don't want to jinx him!)

And the more you watch him, the more you come to respect his game. He's truly one of the best ever.

 

Another adjustment I noticed, both Harden and CP3 were throwing bounces passes on the pick and roll instead of throwing the lobs that the Warriors are waiting on. They still had a few bad lobs, but much less than the first two games.

 

James Harden looks a glitchy video game player in this video... he just keeps backing up until he's completely out of the picture.

 

I am serious. It's not like the defense recovered and was able to contest his three, if they did then I would agree with you. He dribbled it back to the three point line and shot a wide open three, it just didn't go in. I think it was the right play.

 

Well then, if you don't think the 2 is the right play for a guy like Harden who can easily hit mid-range shots to shoot a shot when he gets open from closer to the basket as opposed to having to take two full steps back - if not more - giving the defender time to recover and much harder to get in rhythm, then I don't know what to tell you. We can disagree sure, but to me there's no argument to be made at all for not taking that mid-range shot. It would open up the game more if the Warriors feels he takes that shot aside from the shot actually being easier.

 

Here's where we disagree. If you had to put a number on it, a rough estimate, how often do you think that open elbow jumper goes in? Do you think Harden can make that shot 60% of the time? More?

 

Haha if you are going where I think you're going with that theory of so many % of 2 pointers means this % in 3 pointers then stop please. Just for arguments sake: definitely.

 

Harden saying f u to Morey trying to turn him into just a poor mans kyle Korver. I like it

 

I would say he makes a wide open elbow jumper and a much much higher clip than any open 3 pointer

 

It's not a theory, it's a fact. But putting that aside, if you think this is a shot Harden can make 60% or more of the time, then I understand why you think he should take it. That's the part where we disagree.

 

Well that's obviously true, but the 3s are worth more points.

 

So you think Harden makes that elbow jumper at a much higher clip than a 3 yet you still think it’s not the better shot? Sounds contradictory and I rest my case.

Btw that percentage thing is nice in theory, not in practice. Quality of shot matters.

 

You rest your case? What case? Three pointers are worth more points. You can hit them at a "lower clip" and still score more points.

 

HP, I am glad you posted these videos to highlight those drives. The *Jab Stop into Crossover* was my favorite play of the game. It puts on display his elite *braking.* He is not going to get the Curry switch that much but he is REALLY taking it to Iggy. And to shake him, he is using his tools. He is staying under control. The handle and the change of direction.

Need MUCH MUCH more of these going forward. Play aggressive and with force. Use your tools!