More than anything, I really hope this game shows Harden that we need his defensive effort of the first part of the season. If he gives us that and just a good offensive game, it doesn't have to be great, then we will win this game. I hate to say it, but I think our defense may have been suffering from Harden's lack of effort and everyone trying to adjust. Once all 3 perimeter players (Terry, Brewer and Ariza) started covering their man, Dwight and Smith owned the interior. Harden has to fight through picks, stay on outside shooters and play the passing lanes. If he has a great defensive game, we win game 7!
LOL at the Mchale basher. Instead of giving props to a good coaching decision yall giving it to Harden for benching himself?? And lol for everyone giving props for Harden for not sulking during his team's comeback run. Really? His team is showing success and he gets credit for being happy about it?? That's like that Chris Rock joke where he says parents who bragged about taking care of their kids. You suppose to take care of your kids! It's your job! Clutchfans are unreal.
i luv how people just gloss over the fact that he's still sick from the flu he got before the game 5? it's obvious he's not in optimal physical condition, if he gives us one good half, hey i'll take it.
the most important thing is the W but really that's no excuse. it should just be acknowledged he had a bad game & players stepped up as they should.
Harden isn't playing badly, but he's taking a lot of tough shots for no reason. Too many step back jumpers when he should be driving and kicking or moving the ball. Any shot is better than a turnover, but he should try to get a better shot than the ones he's been taking.
Idk. Harden looked great in the first half but started looking scary again in the 3rd quarter. That tech he got was TOTALLY unnecessary and uncharacteristic of a superstar in a elimination game. Harden has to be more focused. Maybe its immaturity
McHale did a GREAT coaching job in the second half of the game by making the following adjustments: - Putting Howard on Griffin in the 4th. You can't keep that up for a whole game, but switching it up definitely rattled Griffin's confidence - Leaving the core 5 on the court that brought you back and keeping Harden on the bench. This was a BALLSY move and it paid off. Ride the momentum. Don't kill it like he did with the Hack-a-Jordan in the 2nd. Why kill the rhythm when you're team is on a roll?? - McHale is an inspiring coach. Coming from a guy who's won a few rings and know what it takes to play under pressure, he knows how to get through to his players. He may not be a great X and Os type of coach but he can definitely reach through. In a way, McHale has grown a lot through this series. We all knew this was going to be the ultimate test for our team. To see how much we've grown and how much we still have left to grow. I think Howard, Harden and McHale all showed tremendous poise and hopefully these three will carry us to greater heights next season.
The rockets don't win this game without Harden (leading scorer for the game) keeping them in it in the first half. Be grateful. Rejoice.
looks like it was more out of frustration probably with his play at the time more than anything. since yeah we don't really see that too much from him
