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A post-mortem of James Harden and the Houston Rockets

By Vince Massara

May 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) looks at the clock before playing against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. San Antonio won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) looks at the clock before playing against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. San Antonio won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Harden and the Houston Rockets played their worst game at the worst possible time, but they were a flawed team in today’s NBA

Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni mirrored the basketball world’s reaction to James Harden and the Rockets’ Game 6 efforts in one phrase, “shell-shocked”.

When Harden walked off the court after Game 6, he looked like a man who knew he had a lot of questions waiting for him. Harden and the Rockets were humiliated on their home court, getting knocked out of the playoffs with their tails between their collective legs.

If someone had predicted this before the game, you would have thought they were crazy. The Rockets were the red-hot favorites. A must-win game. At home. Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker were out. This was their chance to force a Game 7 and turn the momentum around. Game 6 should have been a walk in the park for the Houston Rockets.

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However, the Spurs ran over the Rockets, winning 114-75 to advance to the Western Conference Finals, where they will face the Golden State Warriors.

Although it wasn’t the score which was the main problem. It was the way the team performed that turned heads. It took everybody by surprise. Everybody. Even Stephen A. Smith was at a loss for words on ESPN, which is no small feat.

James Harden – an off game, or a choker?

James Harden came up empty when the stakes were at their highest. Without Kawhi Leonard, this was his moment. Harden let himself and the team down. He will be kicking himself looking back, and if recent form is anything to go by he’ll probably miss that too.

Almost everything that could have gone wrong did for Harden. He shot 2-of-11 from the field and had six turnovers. It looked like the Monstars had taken his powers for an upcoming Space Jam sequel. Harden made the easy look difficult as he slowly made his way around the court. He looked completely out of the loop and in a different game altogether.

Much has been of Harden’s past performances when his teams needed him most. His 2012 Finals performance was infamous, to go along with that, there aren’t exactly any noticeable examples of Harden willing his team to a series win.

Harden’s durability was praised throughout the season, missing only one game all regular season. However, coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters that Harden needs to know what his limitations are at times.

"[via ESPN]“Maybe he does need to take a game off here and there. ‘Hey, you’re nicked up a little bit, don’t play, maybe.’ Something to talk about, but that’s also his greatness, too. So it’s hard. It’s very delicate.”"

Whilst Harden told reporters that he was healthy for the game, he definitely did not look it. The rigors of carrying a record-breaking offense for seven months seemed to catch up with James Harden at the worst possible moment. D’Antoni agreed that next season the management of Harden will be vital.

"[via ESPN]“Obviously, we’ll sit down. Save his energy, play him less, manage it better. … We’ll work that together. One game can’t erase nine months of work.”"

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    • The Rest – Built for the playoffs?

    We can say what we like about the rest of the Rockets team, however in the modern NBA you need multiple stars to compete at the top. Patrick Beverley and Eric Gordon are not the second and third best players on a championship level team. Plain and simple. They are above average, and the Rockets team is more than the sum of its parts, however they are not the stars to help build around.

    The Houston Rockets have a lot of players who fit the system, however when that system fails they don’t have a plan-B.

    In fact, it looks like plan-B is just plan-A turned up another level. A complimentary star who can fit in the system, but can take over if need be is vital for the Rockets to make the jump from “exciting team” to “contender”.

    Those players do not grow on trees, though, well no players grow on trees, but you know what I mean. General Manager, Daryl Morey’s recent comments hint that Harden’s other superstar may have to come from within.

    "[via ESPN]“Generally, that has taken multiple superstars, but before any team does anything, they say it can’t be done. We do have some guys. I think Capela, for example, I’m not trying to say that he’s going to be for sure an All-Star … but he’s got a chance. You look at his progression and where he’s at, he’s got a chance to be for sure near an All-Star, if not better.”"

    Must Read: Is A Return To Miami In Dwyane Wade's Immediate Future?

    Regardless of where that player comes from, the Houston Rockets need someone to take the physical and mental burden off of Harden from time to time.

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