Apr 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates making a three point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
James Harden won’t turn in another unimpressive playoff performance
After a less than stellar playoff performance last season, and that’s putting it lightly, from James Harden, the NBA MVP candidate will show that last year’s showing — and really the last two years — are behind him.
In 2012-13, Harden only shot 39 percent from the field in the playoffs, and 38 percent last season — both resulting in early exits for the Rockets. Houston has an opportunity to make a deep run in the playoffs, but they’re going to need two things — a healthy Dwight Howard, which looks like they’ll have, and strong performances from James Harden.
I think this time, in his third year with the Rockets, Harden will come through.
I’m not sure how far the Rockets will get in the playoffs, but if they have those two things, I wouldn’t count them out as a potential Western Conference Finals sleeper pick.
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