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Playoff Picture: Houston Rockets

By Luke Duffy

Feb 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) ,center Dwight Howard (12) forward Trevor Ariza (1) and guard Jason Terry (31) celebrate against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 113 to 102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) ,center Dwight Howard (12) forward Trevor Ariza (1) and guard Jason Terry (31) celebrate against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 113 to 102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) defends during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) defends during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Go To Guy

James Harden

A no-brainer here. Harden’s 27.7 points a game is good for second in the league. He led the league for most of the year, until former teammate Russell Westbrook went nuts and edged him out of the top spot. The gap is closing again though, while his Player Efficiency Rating of 27 puts him fifth in the league in that category. It’s been great to watch Harden transform into this league superstar, and this team will only go as far as he can take them.

Some may argue his offensive moves are somewhat boring, while his flopping antics leave a lot to be desired. Indeed, many possessions for Houston involve Harden doing some pump fake moves before going to the rim, making the most of contact that comes his way and heading to the free throw line. Good thing he’s an 87 percent free throw shooter.

Most dangerously of all though, is the fact Harden’s two-way game is underrated. He can score when he wants to, we know that, but he’s bought into the idea that it takes playing hard on both ends of the court to win. Is he an elite defender? Not at all, and on some nights he’s non-existent.

But he at least tries to defend within the confines of the team now, something that was not always the case. With Howard appearing back and healthy at the right time, these two players defending together, as well as Harden having scoring outbursts, could see them go far.

Next: Improved Depth Reason To Smile

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