The part I don't understand is I've seen a fair amount of analyst say things like, "why didn't they trap him? Why didn't they double him? You got to get the ball out of his hands" etc. First, there were plant of times they did and he slipped it so fast that it created a 4 on 3 opportunity. Second, they say it like it's so easy. That's just laughable third, pop is one of the greatest basketball minds ever, you don't think he considers these basic concepts? There is no stopping Harden with one scheme. He has a counter to all of it. I usually don't pay any attention to post game analysis or talking heads, but I was so pumped from the game I couldn't turn the tv off. Moral of the story is you can't stop Harden and do not listen to the analyst ("analyst") haha.
In 2006/07, Cavs won both regular season games with the Spurs by a combined 21pts but got swept in the finals. Dont assume that Pop has played his best hand in a regular season game where there is little to nothing at stake. H If Pop has any great ideas on stopping Harden, wouldnt be surprising for him to reserve it for the playoffs when it would be more difficult to make adjustments.
I thought that at first too but then looked at where that loss put them in the standings. They needed that win as bad as us if not more so.
This. Some losses here and there and the Spurs will be looking at a 1st round match up with the Worriers.
The standings are too fluid currently to be plotting who you would play against e.g. a loss to denver could see GSW dropping to #2 while a single took OKC from #8 to #5. It is more beneficial to focus on ironing out your own game, getting into playoff mode and getting as high a seed as possible, while leaving targeted game planning for the playoffs where it is of value and more effective.
No single game in the regular season says much. I don't think many people here claim it does. But, the game can still be fun to watch. That has value to me. That is why I watch regular season games. This game was entertaining.
Harden having to drop 61 points to beat the Spurs while the rest of his teammates look like garbage. Yeah, I'd feel really encouraged for the Playoffs...
Good point. Pop ain’t beating Rockets and Harden in the playoffs this year if they meet. Not gonna happen.....Pop withstanding.
There have been bigger upsets in the past. Take Harden out, and the rocket are very much beatable. Given the heavy minutes that Harden has been logging, no one knows if he would still be able to perform at a superhuman level come playoffs. Cos that is the level of performance that seems to be required for us to win games. I would take the #8 seed with a fresh beard over a top seed with an exhausted harden. I have no confidence in anyone else being able to carry the team if Harden tires out.
If his shot is off which could come at 25% and higher probability in the playoffs, he can only do so much as going to the hoop and draw fouls. It's like more than half of his arsenal is being taken out.
