Westbrook is now filling the Paul role next to Harden. I dont care if you like Westbrook so much that hes your phone background image, hes undeniably not the perfect fit for Harden.
It likewise falls on Harden to accept his status as one of the most deadly scorers ever and command the ball in late-game circumstances, demanding Westbrook or anyone else give it up. Fair or not, Hardens legacy is on the line.
However Westbrook is the NBAs version of Brett Favre: Hes a gunslinger who has spectacular moments that are tainted by back-breaking turnovers in turning points of big games. We saw that time and time again down the stretch of Game 6, just as we have in moments throughout previous postseasons.
The Rockets still have a Game 7 to play, however provided their efficiency versus the Thunder, its tough to feel optimistic about their chances if they make it to the next round against the Lakers. Houston requires to shoot the hell out of it to have any possibility, and it likely just does not have the weapons.
Beginning with myself,” Westbrook said after Game 6. Westbrook has actually had 14 playoff games with at least seven turnovers in the 100 overall playoff video games hes played, which is a greater rate than any of the 23 players with more than two seven-turnover games considering that his profession started, per Stathead. Hes also one of the most inefficient; of 82 players with over 500 shots during those playoff years, he ranks 70th in true shooting percentage; Harden ranks 8th.
It might be another year of Hardens prime wasted. The clock is ticking, too. If they pick to decline their player choices for the 2022-23 season, Harden and Westbrook can end up being totally free representatives in 2022. That year, Harden will turn 33 and Westbrook will turn 34. Miles are accumulating for Harden. Miles and injuries are accumulating for Westbrook, who has gone through numerous surgeries and treatments for his knee issues for many years. Most just recently, he had a quadriceps problem that kept him sidelined for multiple seeding games and the very first 4 video games of the OKC series. Players like Westbrook, who rely so much on their explosive athleticism, dont constantly age well.
The only factor CP3 is even betting OKC is the dispute that developed between him and Harden in Houston. Its been well reported given that in 2015 that it ended up being a “me or him” circumstance. It was a simple option for Daryl Morey to keep Harden, who is four years more youthful and only 2 years eliminated from winning league MVP. However despite the fact that they butted heads, it needed to have been a hard move to make thinking about Paul was a perfect fit on paper for Harden as a gamer who could stand out with or without the ball. We saw the very best version of Harden with Paul, which is why Morey provided up so numerous quality players for him. It simply didnt exercise.
For a group that shoots a historic amount of 3s, its too bad nobody on the roster besides Harden is a knockdown shooter. Westbrook shot 25.8 percent from 3 this season. They ranked 24th as a whole in 3-point shooting this season, and only sixth in offense, after three consecutive years in the top two.
Westbrook obviously has his perks. Hes an energizer who brings a various pace to Houstons offense, specifically when Harden is out of the video game. Westbrook has actually authored some of the leagues most awe-inspiring moments since he got in the league.
Harden drives, just for four protectors to collapse into the paint. Westbrook has no one safeguarding him.
With those gamers death in mind, the entire Rockets company needs to utilize this offseason to take a long appearance in the mirror and find out who they want to be. Harden has reached excellent heights, but how else can he progress? How can Westbrook adapt? Should DAntoni stay the head coach? Should Morey fine-tune his system? What measures can be required to improve the supporting cast? Debate the importance of these issues any way you desire, but each and every single one of them needs to be fixed. Theyll be the next team that will need to blow it up if the Rockets do not alter quickly.
Too typically in the playoffs, the Rockets have actually stalled out. They can become predictable, and it puts a major physical need on Harden.
James Harden was scared. Russell Westbrook was reckless. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Its time to stop all the quarreling about whos most at fault for the problems that have actually afflicted the Rockets for years and did again in their Game 6 loss to the Thunder. The reality is, all of the Rockets are at fault. Harden needs to demand the ball like an all-time great scorer should. Westbrook needs to maximize his effect off the ball. Mike DAntoni cant be reluctant to differ the system– a midrange shot late in the fourth could help, as might not switching every screen. It doesnt matter who or what ranks no. 1 in the Houston Rockets Blame Game Power Rankings. None of these concerns can exist if the Rockets ever wish to raise the Larry OBrien Trophy during the Harden era, or make it past Chris Paul and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Wednesdays Game 7.
Individuals around the league marvel why the Rockets do not unlock the midrange late in the clock, or late in the game. Particularly for Harden. Hes a 24.6 percent shooter from 3 in the fourth quarter and overtime of playoff games over the past 5 years.
We have not seen much variety from Harden given that DAntoni became his coach four years earlier. DAntoni has incorporated more sets with off-ball screening, and utilized Harden as a screener. But Harden is still frequently a spectator. When Harden quits the ball, why does he hover in between the 3-point line and the logo design? While Harden ought to require the ball more, it would be helpful if he did so while he was moving. The Warriors, the group that always stood in the way of the Rockets, have had enormous success since they do not run a stagnant offense. Steph Curry makes a pass and does not stand near midcourt; he transfers off the ball and makes himself readily available for a cut or a 3. Hes a consistent danger. Harden is required to watch. The fact that Westbrook helped Harden only 35 times this season (and Paul did only 29 and 39 times in his two seasons in Houston) is stunning, and its a reflection of how little Harden relocations in Houstons offense. When he was the 3rd wheel behind Kevin Durant and Westbrook in Oklahoma City, cutting was a staple of Hardens game. Why not bring it back?
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It also falls on Harden to welcome his status as one of the most lethal scorers ever and command the ball in late-game circumstances, requiring Westbrook or anybody else offer it up. The reality that Westbrook helped Harden only 35 times this season (and Paul did just 29 and 39 times in his two seasons in Houston) is shocking, and its a reflection of how little Harden relocations in Houstons offense. Cutting was a staple of Hardens game when he was the 3rd wheel behind Kevin Durant and Westbrook in Oklahoma City. Harden and Westbrook can become complimentary agents in 2022 if they pick to decrease their player options for the 2022-23 season. That year, Harden will turn 33 and Westbrook will turn 34.
