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Houston Rockets: 5 Midseason Takeaways

By Kyle Tomasi

Jan 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during a game between the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Rockets 119-105. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during a game between the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Rockets 119-105. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

5. James Harden’s MVP-Caliber Season

Harden has exceeded any expectations heading into this season so far. His performance is a huge reason why the Rockets have been so successful and he shows no signs of letting up.

He is averaging 28.7 points (fourth in NBA), 11.6 assists (leads NBA) and 8.2 rebounds per game and has a chance to average a triple-double, something that hasn’t been done since Oscar Robertson during the 1961-62 season. It’s possible that both Harden and Russell Westbrook accomplish that feat this season.

Thirteen triple-doubles through 48 games places him second this year only behind Westbrook (21) of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has been a catalyst for the explosive Rockets offense thus far this season.

I think it’s safe to say that the point guard position suits Harden well.

The Rockets rely on Harden’s success. Currently 13th in Real Plus-Minus, Harden always makes an impact and accounts for a lot of Houston’s points. When the ball is in his hands, defenders aren’t sure what to expect due to his scoring ability and court vision to get others involved.

He has some competition from Westbrook for league MVP, but the difference between Harden and Westbrook so far this season is that the Rockets are winning. Westbrook is no doubt having an incredible year and the Thunder are in sixth place in the Western Conference now, but Harden has more pieces around him to make a push.

If he can keep up the streak he’s on, it’s hard to imagine anyone snatching the MVP award from him now.

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