The Nets were clearly lying when they said he only had “ tightness “. It’s clear as daylight as Kenny smith was saying that Hamstring is damaged and nowhere near healthy.
Harden looked really injured. He could barely move. I do not think he went past his defender once. And on defense he was blown by all the time (except for Giannis who thought, well he cannot move so lets post up....). I do believe it would be wiser for the nets to not let him play, and hope for an amazing Durant game. However the way Harden played I do not think he aggravated the injury, and he is valuable as a lightning rod. I really do not understand why the bucks kept on double teaming him, and paying so much attention to him. It was clear he wasn't even 50%. I am really happy they won, though.
Harden being there alleviates some of the ballhandling and playmaking burden off of KD and frees up more energy for KD to do things like what he did tonight. That aspect of Harden's game is what lets him remain a threat and effective decoy despite having a poor offensive night and why the Bucks still stick to him. Plus him playing all those minutes as injured as he was is a great morale booster for the rest of the team. Without Harden it'll just be another game 4.
Well. What Harden ultimately did do was bide enough time for Durant to finally see the light. I mean Tucker has no business trying to guard him at his size and Durant finally figured out he's the alpha male out there. That is enough now to take the series. Moving on to Atlanta they could get by without Harden as well. And think the sixers too. But they will need him in the finals. Prefer he play to get the rust out if healthy. But now that Durant sees the light again he can sit.
Was he feeling right game 5 against the SAS when took like 3 shots the first half? Or what about the GS 13 turnover game?
Yes, that's what I'm suggesting. I am hardly the only one who has speculated that Harden may have been concussed in the Spurs game. Who knows. In any case, it is disingenuous to imply that Harden's low point total last night was unrelated to the fact he has a strained hamstring. Give me a break.
A true champion who has what it takes to step up when times get tough would have had the leg amputated and balled out on 1 leg. #facts
What about the great passes he made while barely able to move like a stationary QB in the pocket... What about the pivotal free throws to give then the lead late?
Last couple days been hearing "hunt harden" and "giannis defending KD".... well show time... i guess we'll see.
