I think Harden is a terrific player. Personally, I don't like his style as it seems like his most effective play is a semi-flop to draw a foul. He obviously is very talented and has at least seemed to try harder this year in spurts on defense - a huge knock against him last year when he just didn't care at all to try. A legit All-Star and well deserving of MVP consideration. Just because I don't like his style doesn't mean it isn't effective - I get it.
But, since he's been the MAN with Houston, he has definitely disappointed in the playoffs. He's had great games (like the 45 he dropped the other night) but, overall, has not performed up to expectations. Last night, shot poorly and committed an all-time playoff record of 13 turnovers (breaking his previous record, btw). Not his only 'bad' game in this series, either. Was really bad last year against the Blazers when Houston lost in 1st round. I could name other instances. Why?
I have some thoughts:
1. Playoff basketball is called differently and he doesn't get near as many free throws (he MADE more FTs in the regular season than the 2nd most player attempted, IIRC)
2. Ability for other team to focus on his weaknesses unlike regular season when you may see him several months apart
3. Doesn't react well to playoff pressure (hard to fathom this one as his teams have been in the playoffs a bunch so he should be used to it)
4. Streaky player to begin with and, in the playoffs, this attribute gets magnified
BTW, I've never seen a PF play smaller or more tentative than Terrence Jones did in this series for all but about 10 minutes of his time on the court. Could not have looked more uncomfortable - blew my mind.
But, since he's been the MAN with Houston, he has definitely disappointed in the playoffs. He's had great games (like the 45 he dropped the other night) but, overall, has not performed up to expectations. Last night, shot poorly and committed an all-time playoff record of 13 turnovers (breaking his previous record, btw). Not his only 'bad' game in this series, either. Was really bad last year against the Blazers when Houston lost in 1st round. I could name other instances. Why?
I have some thoughts:
1. Playoff basketball is called differently and he doesn't get near as many free throws (he MADE more FTs in the regular season than the 2nd most player attempted, IIRC)
2. Ability for other team to focus on his weaknesses unlike regular season when you may see him several months apart
3. Doesn't react well to playoff pressure (hard to fathom this one as his teams have been in the playoffs a bunch so he should be used to it)
4. Streaky player to begin with and, in the playoffs, this attribute gets magnified
BTW, I've never seen a PF play smaller or more tentative than Terrence Jones did in this series for all but about 10 minutes of his time on the court. Could not have looked more uncomfortable - blew my mind.