Even though he shot poorly (again) tonight, I liked the way he played. Was very aggressive, hit some HUGE shots, and made some excellent passes. Eventually, those shots have to fall.
I don't like to bash McHale, and a lot of the criticism he gets is way off base I think, but seriously. His lack of creativity on offense is amazing. I guess he's mostly afraid to do pick and rolls with Howard late in the game because of free throws, but these are the only plays they run late in the game: 1. Give Harden ball at top, 1-4 set, Harden is suppose to create a shot for himself or get to the rim. [that's pretty damn hard to do late in games against a set defense, and especially in the playoffs] 2. Run pick and roll with Lin as the ballhandler and Harden as the screener, designed to get Harden the ball vs. the opposing point guard at the top of the key, then everyone spreads out for Harden to go one on one. [this usually leads to a step back 20 footer, or a contested runner] 3. This happens less often: Maybe Howard or Asik give him a pick and roll a few steps beyond the three point line and then Harden is supposed to make something happen. The only time one of these plays creates clear open space for him is sometimes with #3 the big man doesn't hedge and he's wide open for a pull-up three or long jumper off the dribble. [he's pretty good at those, but those are tough shots] That is their entire offense down the stretch. Sometimes I guess they have Howard post aggressively and throw it in right away, but they go away from that late because they're afraid of his free throw %. They need more movement, and they need to come up with ways to get Harden the ball where he doesn't have to face up and create separation off the dribble. Hell, run some set plays for someone else that get the defense moving around, which might create some lanes for Harden. The offense reminds me of how Mike Brown used to use Lebron in Cavs playoff games. Just give it to Lebron and call a 1-4 set, and then the play was "make something happen Lebron".
WTF does that even mean? His game remains exposed? He hasn't shot the ball well. He's gonna take these same shots in game four, and if he makes more of them then we can say his game is now not exposed?
Harden FINALLY show up...thank GOD!! He was terrible in the previous two games. But he was back to his old self in game 3. He was aggressive and attacking the basket and he's making the bulk of his shots. Troy Daniels redeem Jeremy Lin and Parsons bone-headed play. Missing layup by Lin and Parsons fouling someone at the 3pt line for 4pts play...that was brutal.
Its not about how many shots he made/missed. Its the poise, the swag, the confidence, the effort, the Superstar feel, I saw it, I saw the real James Harden. Yes he still didnt shoot as well as he has been since the start of this year, but atleast he didn't look like a bum out there the way he has been first 2 games. He shot the ball with confidence. He played hard. He looked like he wanted it. Even played decent defense (besides the few usual blow-by). That is the key. Plus he hit some clutch shots/freethrows to bring us back from down 4 and to put them away for good.
