2015 NBA Playoffs: Players Under the Most Pressure

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Apr 18, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

James Harden, Houston Rockets

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 25

Experience: 6th Season

Slash Line: .440/.375/.868

Season Averages: 27.4 PPG, 7.0 APG, 5.7 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.6 3PM

In a seemingly distant 2011-12, James Harden made a trip to the NBA Finals. Harden was also the third scoring option for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011-12, which makes that achievement less relevant as the go-to playmaker for the Houston Rockets in 2014-15.

With consecutive first-round exits under his belt in Houston, Harden needs to win at least one series to silence the critics.

Harden put up 24 points and 11 assists in Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks, but he did so on 4-of-11 shooting from the field. That isn’t a rarity, but instead the continuation of a very troubling trend for Harden in the playoffs.

The Bearded One has shot 40.0 percent or worse from the field in 12 of his past 18 postseason games played, including nine of his 13 with the Rockets.

Admittedly, efficiency is tougher to provide once the playoffs roll around. Defense becomes more physical, possessions more important and shot-creation more difficult.

Beyond the numbers, however, has been Harden’s general inability to perform since his 2012 NBA Finals meltdown. Harden began to right those wrongs, albeit with a pinch of inefficiency, in Game 1.

If Houston suffers a third straight first-round exit, major changes could be on the way. That starts with Harden.

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