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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Final Push For MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

10. James Harden, Houston Rockets

Last Rank: No. 9

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .434/.347/.864

Season Averages: 38.2 MPG, 28.6 PPG, 7.5 APG, 6.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.8 3PM

For as outstanding as he was individually, James Harden and the Houston Rockets had a week of missed opportunities. With the chance to make a significant move in the standings, Houston blew what may have been its best shot at making the playoffs.

Fresh off of a big win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Rockets fell 88-86 to the Dallas Mavericks—one of the two teams ahead of Houston in the standings.

Harden went off for 41 points and nine assists on 12-of-25 shooting in a 118-110 victory over the Thunder. That performance was enough to remind the general population of just how brilliant a player Harden is when on his game.

Unfortunately, a three-point loss to the Chicago Bulls, and a two-point defeat at Dallas could push Harden and the Rockets right out of the playoffs.

Harden played well in both games, but turnovers and poor late-game execution proved to be crippling issues. It’s hard to blame Harden for the mess Houston has made, but missing the playoffs just one year after making the Western Conference Finals would be tough to handle.

Harden has been great on his own, but he needs to better get his teammates involved—and that goes well beyond piling up assists.

Next: Controlling the Pace