And his playoff losses have been against the Warriors. Go ahead NBA fans, and compare his record against the 2014-19 Warriors against any other player, if you want to pretend that players are responsible for their team's records.
@J.R. insecure fans making a non rockets player the top topic Well At least it’s not boxing analyst Max Kellerman Or Bill Simmons Or Collin Coherd @Reeko
Cool. And? I used to get piled on around here for dogging on Harden after the Spurs series for a couple of years. That was back when the "Harden doesn't play defense" myth was also true. He is enigmatic and sulks when things don't go his way. All this to say.... that doesn't change my point that the media just waves getting beaten by the Warriors as a "Harden can't win" card. I don't like Westbrook, and I don't really like Lillard. But a lot of fans (and media) love the talkers and not the guys who just do their business.
Oh, OK. Again I agree with you, but the media can't seem to produce the same facts and information. But we can definitely debate something if you'd like. Do you think Russell Westbrooks game is conducive to winning? I dont.
I’m not a Westbrook fan. But it’s to the point where he either gets it done or he doesn’t. Malone and Barkley didn’t have as much help as Jordan did when they got beat. They still get killed for it.
So MJ's early losses while he was growing as a player should count against his greatness? Jordan could never beat the Celtics or Pistons while those teams were at their peaks. Jordan did not achieve championships until he had another All Star or 2, PLUS a HOF coach. MJ does not win even 1 of 6 rings without Pippen, without Phil Jackson, or even Rodman/Horace Grant. Who was Beard's Pippen vs. Blazers? Jeremy Lin. Who was it vs. Spurs? Ryan Anderson Who were the coaches? Plural. Your expectations for a player who was still figuring out his game, his coach, his teammates and his role is ridiculous. In the last 4 seasons, Harden has been unassailably at the top of his game, historic even, considering how much his team is reconfigured EVERY SINGLE offseason. Harden has been so good because he is at his physical and mental peak, he understands/embraces the Rockets vision (Moreyball), has a coaching great who trusts and empowers him, playing like he believes himself to be the best player in the world. If teams are playing Harden straight up, like they do Lilliard, Luka, Lebron, Booker even Giannis: Harden is averaging 40+ and the Rockets would be impossible to stop even without a 2nd All Star. But Harden is still the only NBA player in history of NBA that is doubled/trapped at half court line and BEFORE he has registered a SINGLE basket. Teams, media, fans may not respect him, but they still FEAR THE BEARD. For damn good reason.
Houston will face Portland in the 2nd round. Their full team is much stronger also there is no home advantage for playing.
Yeah the point is the media can’t stop falling over themselves to fawn over Lillard, while can’t stop grasping at straws to criticize Harden. It’s two faced and annoying. Even when Harden dropped 30 for 30+ games straight, the praise was begrudgingly given. It’s frustrating to see our superstar get treated this way.
