2019-20 Around the NBA: Archived

[dirkfansince1998]

I think Harden is the Rox problem.

Of course he is. As Westbrook was yours  There kind of play can't lead to trophies, despite their excellent individual qualities

I would argue Westbrook is outplaying Harden this year at least the last 2 months

Disagree. Westbrook takes advantage of Hardens gravity. Teams are game planning against Harden. Not Westbrook. Westbrook has been doing a better job taking advantage of his opportunities since christmas but he isn´t getting double teamed at the 3-point line.
Overall I agree with Omahen. That´s why I want Luka to develop a more diverse skill set. Just spamming isos or high pick and roll won´t work in the playoffs.

I would argue Harden is all about 3’s and FTs whereas Russ has to work the paint area and battle to get his points.  Tonight is a good example.  Looking at scoring it was Harden 29 to Russ 21.  A deeper dive shows Harden only made 6 shots (3-12 from 3) to Russ 10 (1-2 from 3).  But Harden was gifted 16 FTs to Russ 0.  Harden stat pads with FTs and Russ works harder to get his points.

Harden has teams inventing completly new defensive schemes to stop him. He is the player that teams are trying to stop. That´s why RW has more space than he ever had in his life. You are talking about the optics not the results. In this case Hardens 3s and FTs are more efficient than RWs inside scoring.
Without Harden in the game. Teams could defend RW like they used to do. Sink low and let him shoot jumpers. Double on the drive. That´s not possible right now because Harden is drawing double teams all game long. RW having to work in the paint is more about him lacking a more diverse skill set. He cannot shoot from 3 and doesn´t have the foul drawing ability or touch that make Harden a better offensive player.

I mean it is not even close.

Harden 35pts 62% TS
Westbrook 27pts 53% TS