This is the best defense I've seen Harden play. The effort he's giving deserves praise. Idk what's gotten into him but I think the Capela trade triggered something. Hoping this increased focus and effort on defense carries over to the playoffs. The Harden doesn't play defense narrative is slowly dying.
James Harden is a 6'11 Wing Defender, What is happening to the Rockets. His steals are always among the Top 2 in the whole NBA Last Year, Deflection that causes steals is also Stat, he is Number 1 last year yet the Media never mentions this or Voters don't give him All NBA Team Defense, don't those Stats count for him to be a All NBA First Team Defense. P.J Tucker should be All NBA Defense but yet he doesn't have stats to backup the Eye Test.
Harden is currently the best shot blocking guard in the NBA...he is currently averaging a block a game swatting shots like he’s 09 Wade he’s smart, very strong, and has excellent hands...he has great anticipation as well if u try and back him down in the post, it’s gonna be a turnover or a missed shot...weak bigs trying to back down a brick wall is funny we got dumbasses like Giannis talking about a game plan being concocted to attack Harden...I guess he didn’t want to win the ASG and win major money for his charity of choice Why doesn’t Giannis like the kids?
Having Clint or Dwight manning the paint may have been somewhat of a crutch for James. Once your man beats you off the dribble the defenders job was to funnel them into the center, but once both guys are playing recover/scramble defense there's an extra; cutter, shooter, or big running scot free to an open spot/space. Not having that reassurance that your blemishes can be wiped clean has probably helped his approach on the defensive end. He was always more than capable at playing defense. The question at times was exactly that, effort, and how much of it he would bring on any given night. I'm hoping that this showing will help get us into that extra gear, defensively, throughout the playoffs... especially if Westbrook can turn up that intensity as well.
The key to unlocking Harden's defense was simple. Bring in his best friend that plays at 110% every night. Harden would have no choice but to pick up his effort
And Steph.....Steph fed four thousand people with three fish and three loaves of bread; he walked on water, healed the lepers. So you can't fault Steph's defense. Harden? Strip clubs, nasty beard, and too many free throws. No defense. Gimme an N! A! R! R! A! T! I! V! E! What's it spell? NARRATIVE!
I've been what I'd call one of Harden's biggest "logic critics" over the last 4'ish years. Meaning not a hater, just a pointer outer, lol. Pointing out the bad to average at best defense, the high turnovers, and the 3PFG% that gets worse in the post-season. Well... * last year his 3PFG% on dipped a VERY little in the playoffs * He still pops the occasional high turnover game, but at 4.4 to/g, at this higher pace = 5.5/100 possessions, its still high, but his lowest number on a per 100 basis since 2014-2015 * and at least for the last few weeks, since going small ball, there just seems to be a LOT more effort or success defensively. Maybe getting him to play defense by going small-ball was the trick all along?? Lol Let's see what translates to the post-season.
His D always there in his own way. It just get maximized and looks more chippy, while the right system gearing up n team D clicking.
There's nothing wrong with your title, but "Harden's Defensive Leadership" would've been just as good because he's become as important on defense as RoCo or PJ. Against the Jazz he was our best defender. The team rallied around him too.
Looking at the stat sheet, he's been racking up a surprisingly high number of blocks of late. Haven't been able to watch games recently; I'm guessing a lot of these are of the Chuck Hayes variety -- waist level slap downs?
It's almost comical how good he is in the post and how some people don't realize how good he is and test him. He definitely reminds me of Chuck Hayes but with even better athleticism with a little bit of Cuttino Mobley mixed it. He really has quick hands and great anticipation.
Look, it's been years since Harden became a plus defender, particularly in the post. Since we're still here, the more idiots like Giannis think that it's a smart move to throw the ball to some Turducken down low against Harden rather than run their offense, the better for the Rockets.
Saw this on FB this morning. I take no credit. Not even sure if it’s accurate because I’m at work and didn’t have time to fact check. Big if true. Harden vs. Giannis' Season Totals: Giannis- 53 Blocks Harden- 52 Blocks H- 156 Deflections G- 111 Deflections H- 88 Steals G- 55 Steals H- 3050 FP G- 2896 FP Ones a DPOY candidate (rightfully so) and ones viewed as one of the worst defenders in the league
That narrative should have been dead and buried at least 2 seasons ago. The fact that Harden is top 10 in advanced stats for post defense. Has averaged almost 2 steals a game with as many deflections last 3 season.
Wow that is impressive needs to be confirmed and played/talked about on every sports talk show on TV and radio now, but it won’t be ... harden has stepped his D game up quite noticeably since the trade (he’s always been capable of this so it’s not shocking to me at all).
