2016 NBA Playoffs: Each Team's Week 1 MVP

2016 NBA Playoffs: Each Team’s Week 1 MVP

April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points up after a play during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets: James Harden

Yeah, yeah, yeah, James Harden is a horrendous defender, he’s not a great leader, his teammates hardly reacted to his game-winner, blah blah blah. His flaws have been covered ad nauseam to this point, so perhaps it’s time to recognize that he’s really the only person on this Houston Rockets team that still has a friggin’ pulse.

In Game 1, Harden was locked down to 17 points on 19 shots and didn’t get to the foul line once. In Game 2 he had 28 points and 11 dimes, but it still wasn’t enough even with the Warriors missing Curry. But in Game 3, with pride and a possible sweep riding on the outcome, Harden delivered as superstars do, putting up 35 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, two steals and one game-winner.

Tough game-winner by @JHarden13! https://t.co/OJ8E45XWle
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 22, 2016

Sure, the Dubs were missing Curry again. But as the Warriors learned last year, you can’t help what opponents are healthy enough to play in the postseason; you beat whoever is put in front of you. This series will still probably be a gentleman’s sweep, but let’s cool it with the “Trade Harden!” talk for the time being, huh?

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers