Through the 4 games harden has played it feels as Harden is using less dribble moves before he shoots. He is still going to do his thing, but it seems like there is an emphasis on relaxing on the step-back a little more. Something to follow throughout the year.
Yup, and it appears by design. Harden also has had several plays where he plays off ball, even a critical play with about a minute left in the 4th against the Blazers where Wood had the ball at the top and Harden signaled Wood to go for it while Harden shuffled to the corner. The play resulted in points. Silas didn't sell the offense to Harden as him dribbling less, but as a less predictable offense to help cure some of the double-team woes (and some).
I like the counter they had to the double team last game as well. I hated when Mike D went away from Jeff Green bringing the ball up when Russ came back into the line up. I swear, Russ just forced garbage decisions by this organization as a whole.
Average seconds per touch in first 2 games is 5.73. Last year, it was 6.07. Average dribbles per touch in first 2 games is 5.09. Last year, it was 5.77.
I'm actually liking how Harden is playing this year. Big ups to him. Harden is still an elite iso player, that much hasn't changed. But I think Harden is realizing that he can work smarter not harder. He's still going to get his no matter what but you don't have to dribble the air out the ball, pick your moments.
the difference between Harden’s average seconds and average dribbles per touch is that they’re coming a lot more in the PnR as opposed to straight up isolation the Rockets as a team are also averaging about 50 more passes per game than last year so far so far, 18% of Harden’s twos have been assisted...highest since 14-15 27% of Harden’s threes have been assisted...highest since 16-17
Finally a player Harden trusts with the Rock on offense. Maybe he stays in this system. He needs to load off so he can save himself for playoffs.
Im liking the feel of this thread, let’s hope these kinds of things continue on throughout the season
gee is it just me... or does it sound like rookie hc Silas is already making improvements over the "offensive genius" that was MDA... lol