4. James Harden/Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets
Combined stats: 62 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists
Entering the season, not many knew what to expect from James Harden and Russell Westbrook, who the Houston Rockets acquired over the offseason from the Thunder in exchange for Chris Paul. The two, separately, were amongst the league’s most dominant scorers and overall players. However, as a tandem, it was much more of a question mark.
Would they be able to share the basketball? Would Westbrook be able to play off-ball effectively, considering the amount of time Harden spends with the basketball in his hands? There were plenty of legit and fair questions. So far though, at least statistically, it was working. Harden and Westbrook represent the highest-scoring duo in the NBA and had their moments as a team throughout this season.
At the hiatus, the Rockets find themselves as the sixth seed but just 2.5 games back of third seed. To say it was a failure would be unfair. However, without the playoffs to really grade this duo, the verdict has still yet to be reached.
We need a Harden-Westbrook playoff run. Please, basketball gods.