our D was great last night, Harden's included. makes only playing 7 all the more perplexing... we were having to exert so much more energy onthe defensive side having to make up for Nene's absence.
Battier had more size and length to use to his advantage on the perimeter . Harden is a bit of a tweener defensively . He's not the quickest guy laterally , but he's not big enough to bang in the post vs 7 footers full time like if he was say .... Draymond green sized James is a strength/skills player vs a speed/ hops kind of guy ... In general So while he can fare well against bigger guys becuase of his strength , because he maintains that strength he isn't quite as quick as he would be if he lost 10-15 lbs Beverley made the decision this offseason to drop the weight to gain quickness . James probably shouldn't make that same calculation ... He uses his strength so well on the offensive end that it makes up any defensive gain he would attain . James has always been more comfortable guarding bigger/ slower guys because of his physical attributes .
I get a kick when I see bigs post up Harden, the national televised games especially, the announcers always say "Hey look, Hardens guarding ___, thats a big mismatch!" and then Harden does as solid job as always. Very underrated post defender, I see him guarding mostly forwards as he ages. Insane that he's guarding Gasol, but I don't want Harden guarding large centers for his own healths sake.
Mike D specifically cited the offense as the reason we lost. He said we played well enough to win, just didn't hit some shots late in the game. I don't know that I agree with that, we didn't play well enough to win else we would be staring at 3-2 Rockets. Not sure I am totally on board with Mike, but whatever. Harden's defense is good when he wants it to be. The guy is a baller, and if he had any help we'd be already ready for the WCF...resting.
