Fair enough. The line just has always irked me... because it ultimately came down to "luck" in some ways. Random... but I don't care for the if only they hit x threes hypothetical that much. each game is a thing of its own. who knows what would have happened.
Probably fair... I guess it comes down to the question can strategy, coaching, and fit overcome the "better" team in the NBA? In the sense that if we all recognize that you can't beat the Warriors on talent, wouldn't it be better to beat them on coaching, fit, style, system, strategy, whatever beyond "variance" Per @heypartner comment, I'm kind of with him that they moved past variance a bit onto defense first, switch everything, etc plan. which made sense...
Agree. But at the same time, we can still make the point about defense in that game: it is no hypothetical to say that our defense allowed us that big lead going into the half....and that was the focus of the players. And we were so depleted of our regular rotation defenders (Paul and Luc) that we had to resort to old variance in the 3rd with Ryan Anderson....that 3rd Q swing defined variance, but in our last year style, symbolized by playing Ryan Anderson.
only way this would’ve happened is if voting took place after the finals were over Harden is winning MVP in a landslide this year
See i like this, its so much better than just lol Midrange and Post up. And I would just like to say, post up is effective for VERY few players this league. From the eye test(no numbers, so someone can call me out) post ups are predictable and easy to stop defensively unless you get the ball up very quickly, there arent that many players that are quick in the post.
DNP- rest. We should all learn from our neighbor to our west the Spurs and Dubs people. I hope Harden is more feisty- example Curry shimmy's, CP3 shimmy at him the next game.
I like it. We've seen him make floaters during the season, but as you imply, it isn't an integral part of his game that he uses enough to impact defenses. Me? I'd like to see quick ball movement, hard cuts, and multiple picks become a significant part of our offense, instead of something we see sporadically. Harden, being the focus of our offense, can work to include more of that, and Chris would likely welcome some offensive tinkering along those lines, in my opinion. I think it would make us a bit less predictable and more effective offensively. Add a floater and give us crisp ball movement, James.
for those being sceptical of his yearly steady improvement ...juts rememebr that he become this years MVP DESPITE the new rule solely introduced for the purpose of stopping him and which was often applied only to Harden, other players were sometimes still getting the calls but not Harden...
Also, practice more catch-and-shoot situations. Work on his finishing at the rim with both hands - will be handy when he becomes more off-ball.
If he manages to make his stepback a little more consistent and work on conditioning a little more...that's honestly all he needs.
Seriously I would like to see Harden develop some kind of mid range game. It won't be as good or as consistent as CP3's but it has to be existent. Just think if he had any bit of a mid range game, we would have won Game 7 of the WCF.
Agreed, having Harden face up near the elbow would save so much of his energy. He can still go 1vs1, he can still step back for the 3. Post up Harden would only work against a much smaller defender.
Honestly, it’s weird. I will always say “Harden can’t get better than this. This will be his best year.” Then, what do you know; He pulls a new trick from his sleeve, and he’s a MVP Candidate again. He gets better and better each season- it’s scary.
