Given the low-season commercial request that has yet to be met, Houston Rockets superstar James Harden is under the microscope of fans this season. During his last three games, Harden has averaged just 17 points per game (28.0% in triples), which is well below the norm for the NBA three-time champion.
This made many question whether Harden is fully committed to the team, including famed Calvin Murphy, at a time of “hot microphone” on the team’s post-game TV show after Wednesday’s loss. in Indiana.
But there are some mitigating circumstances. For starters, Harden comes out of a sprained ankle that forced him to miss last Saturday’s game. Secondly, it is quite plausible that it is simply on a cold shooting stretch, which is far from unheard of. For example, in January 2020, Harden spent nine games in which he scored 24.8 points per game on a 34.1% shot and 23.1% on a 3-point range. It’s possible that Harden’s shooting touch is over, perhaps related to injuries, and fans are reading more of it than he normally would according to low-season stories.
One of the arguments in favor of Harden’s commitment could be his high total attendance. In that tough stretch of January 2020, which also took place over a much longer period of nine games, Harden averaged just 5.7 assists. In his last three games, however, Harden has led the Rockets as a facilitator with 11.7 assists per game, including a maximum of 13 dimes in Friday’s 132-90 (cash score) thrashing of visitor Orlando Magic .
When asked after the game about various criticisms of Harden’s effort, Houston head coach Stephen Silas said he disagreed.
“James’ level of effort has been great, ”Silas said after the game. “He did everything he needed me to do. I really don’t have an answer for anyone to say they don’t play hard, because that’s not what I see “.
“He played the ball, off the ball,” Silas continued. “He has played on defense. … That’s not what I see of him or the group. “
The time will come when the Rockets (3-4) need Harden to score more goals, perhaps in the next two games on Sunday and Tuesday against LeBron James, Anthony Davis and NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. But on Friday, the Rockets got a landslide victory with Harden primarily as the leader and facilitator, and they are convinced he is in the right place, mentally, for the team.