Player To Watch: James Harden
Now that we’re done gushing over Nene, let’s talk about James Harden. He’s already being hailed as an MVP favorite by many, including The Ringer, and for good reason. Harden is scoring 28.7 points per game, while leading the NBA in assists, while leading the NBA in minutes played, while leading the Rockets to the third-best record in the NBA.
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That’s a lot of stuff. Harden is the engine that makes the Rockets run. His ability to score from almost literally anywhere and get to the rim with powerful drives give defenses two choices: single cover him and hope for the best, or send help.
If the first thing happens, Harden scores. If the second thing happens, Harden passes it out and somebody else scores. Luckily since the Rockets are so reliant on him, they must collapse when he goes to the bench, right?
Nope. Houston still outscores the opposition by 3.8 points per 100 possessions while Harden sits, thanks in large part to Eric Gordon looking like the star everybody thought he was when he was with the Los Angeles Clippers. This team is scary good. That starts with Harden, but it doesn’t end there.