Houston Rockets: James Harden’s 5 best plays of the 2019-20 season

Before the NBA’s hiatus, Houston Rockets guard James Harden was having himself an incredible 2019-20 campaign, so we’ll look at his five best plays of the 2019-20 season.

James Harden is one of the NBA’s most fearless scorers. He provides the Houston Rockets with dazzling plays night in and night out. Looking back at his 2019-20 season, he had many games where he balled out and had exciting plays on the offensive end. Whether it was him shaking off a defender, or dishing dimes to his fellow teammates, Harden substantiated to be one of the hardest players to check on a daily basis.

Harden averaged 34.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds in 61 games this year. If Harden had a full season under his belt, there’s no telling how far he could’ve taken his team. Harden was among the candidates for NBA MVP in 2019-20 alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.

As we continue to sit in a hiatus, let’s take a look back at the season that was for James Harden and explore his top five plays from the 2019-20 campaign.

5. November 18, 2019: Harden 4-point play on Blazers

Harden is known for drawing fouls when he drives to the basket, but he has also become a master of drawing a foul at the 3-point line as well.

This right here is one of James Harden’s remarkable moves. If defenders want to contest the shot, they will have to make sure that they don’t reach on this move.

4. February 9, 2020: Harden throws no-look over-the-head pass to Russell Westbrook

Harden penetrates the defense and draws three defenders and dishes the pass to Russ for 3.

Harden does his under the legs size-up move on Ingles and takes him to the basket where he meets Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert. Harden is great when he’s attacking the basket, so it’s not surprising that the Jazz players tried to stop him from doing so. Harden has great vision when he’s in “iso mode” and then delivered a highlight pass to Russ.

3. November 1, 2019: James Harden crosses Kyrie Irving

Harden took Kyrie Irving to school with his famous size-up that led to a filthy crossover on the Brooklyn Nets point guard.

Once Irving reached, Harden got Irving to go the other way with his phenomenal footwork. Harden then lobs it up to Clint Capela for the easy slam.

2. November 4, 2019: Harden’s clutch step-back 3 vs. Grizzlies

This play by Harden defines his greatness when it comes to his offense. He has grasped the ability to learn that step-back move for years now, and you see him hitting that shot almost every game.

1. November 22, 2019: Harden ridiculous shot over Beverley, George

This is by far my favorite James Harden play this year. Harden was guarded by Patrick Beverley and then crossed him over with his vintage step-back move. Paul George tried to provide Beverley with some help, but it didn’t work.

Harden has an assortment of ways to make defenders look silly, and I thought these were his best plays this season before the hiatus.

Hopefully, the season resumes at some point and James Harden will be able to play out his 2019-20 NBA campaign and we’ll get to see what the final product is for the Houston Rockets.