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Can we start giving Harden props for his good defense lately?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Captain Hook, Feb 21, 2014.

  1. Captain Hook

    Captain Hook Member

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    Other then that game against the Wizards, Harden's defense has improved significantly. He has been giving more of an effort on that end of the floor lately and those 4th quarter stops against Lee last night were very impressive.

    A few months ago, clutchfans bashed Harden for his laziness and his unwillingness to even try, but I have seen a different Harden, challenging shots and doing a better job running through off-ball screens. He also did a good job on Klay last night.

    Can we please give the man his props! I think he has been growing as a player and he is turning (not turned) the corner.

    And oh yea...#Pray4Harden
     
    1 person likes this.
  2. moose

    moose Member

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    That strip on Lee was huge. He has been playing better on defense lately. Hopefully, he can continue the intensity into the playoffs.
     
  3. LosPollosHermanos

    LosPollosHermanos Houston only fan
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    yea while that was going on I couldn't help but think of Karl Malone being stripped by Jordan and Jordan making the step back at the other end.
     
  4. GTRockets

    GTRockets Member

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    I see effort and improvement. There is no reason he cant be an above average defender. That Warriors game really came down to our frontcourt with Howard and Jones playing awful. This is why Harden is a superstar he almost signal handedly brought our team back.
     
  5. flamingdts

    flamingdts Member

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    His off-ball defense still needs work, but I don't think it's far fetched to say Harden has elite post-defense. I don't recall Lee scoring a single FG when Harden guarded him. He was basically Chuck Hayes on defense.
     
  6. hardenisaboss

    hardenisaboss Member

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    His post defense is elite for a guard. He locked down Lee who's post game is very good. I don't think Lee scored a single point on Harden.
     
  7. RedEyesKirby

    RedEyesKirby Member

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    Aside from good defence, you have to give prop for his improvement on his ISO. That step back at mid range has improved so much that it looks pretty unstoppable at the moment. You either have to respect his drive and commit or expect his step back mid. It's a gamble for the other team.

    He is definitely our finisher.
     
  8. Haymitch

    Haymitch Custom Title
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    On-ball defense from Harden is usually good, but is sometimes embarrassingly bad. Overall though, I can live with it.

    His post defense is great for a SG.

    But his off ball defense is usually bad. That's where he needs to improve. I think he's ball watching so much because he's always looking to jump the passing lane to make a steal. So that's something that should improve with experience as he gets a better feel for when he can sag off his man.
     
  9. mvpcrossxover

    mvpcrossxover Member

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    I think the team off ball defense as whole is just horrible.
    Also, can we stop with the switching on the Pick 'n roll?
     
  10. Voice of Aus

    Voice of Aus Contributing Member

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    He best part of having terrible off ball defence is that no one can score off it ;)
     
  11. zaam

    zaam Contributing Member

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    Harden gave a noticeable effort last night. He was giving Lee fits in the post; looked like a bigger PBev in spurts. I wondered if he could sustain that level over the long haul — he looked like he was expending a lot of energy out there. At the very least he showed that he understands the importance of improving his D and appears quite willing to commit to it.
     
  12. oelman44

    oelman44 Member

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    Strip on Lee and the drawn charge on Barnes were both great defensive plays
     
  13. AirBud#10

    AirBud#10 Member

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    Harden's post defense is incredible. He should really guard PFs more often (especially when T Jones is getting shredded like he was last night).
     
  14. SunsRocketsfan

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    Props.. FINALLY!!
     
  15. FTW Rockets FTW

    FTW Rockets FTW Contributing Member

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    Harden has incredible post defense. He can guard low post players - the likes of Lee, ZBo to an extent, may be even Griffin fairly well.

    Where he has an issue is when opposition players come off screens, move around a lot etc like Reddick, Afflalo etc. He just can't keep up with them considering the offensive load he carries
     
  16. MamboRock

    MamboRock Member

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    Harden had a great game both offensively and defensively. He kept us in the game. We lost because our star center got pwned by 35 years old J Oneil in the paint.
     
  17. J Sizzle

    J Sizzle Member

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    Too bad Harden was the only one who showed up last night...
     
  18. JayGoogle

    JayGoogle Member

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    Yes.

    Exactly. He's akin to Hayes on defense because he has such a strong base and is hard to back down. Not to mention he has quick hands. It was funny to see GSW try over and over again to exploit that matchup, not knowing that the Rockets did that on purpose. There was no mismatch to exploit there.

    Harden has done this several times this year. He's a great post defender. It is odd since he's just a SG, but it is what it is.
     
  19. crash5179

    crash5179 Contributing Member

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    Can't believe I'm saying this but Harden was a true 2 way player last night. His defensive effort was outstanding.
     
  20. saleem

    saleem Contributing Member

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    A very good post. Let's hope for the best.
     

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