Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from narrow Game 3 win vs. Jazz

2. James Harden’s game cannot be labeled anymore

Despite setting the record for the most missed shots without a make in a playoff game, James Harden exhibited the propensity rise up to the occasion by not letting his off night define the final outcome. He showed why he is regarded as one of the game’s top superstars, as the NBA’s reigning MVP provided his team with big-time buckets in the clutch.

Harden — who became the first player since Kenyon Martin in 2003 to shoot 15 percent or lower on 20-plus shot attempts in a postseason affair — proved to be the most critical difference-maker in the contest following the 7:34 mark of the fourth quarter. He converted on 3-of-6 shots from the field in the final frame, including his signature step-back jumper late in regulation that silenced Utah’s raucous crowd.

"“Man I went up to [Harden]…, and I said ‘Get your swag up,'” Paul told ESPN sideline reporter Cassidy Hubbarth following Game 3. “He know how we play. We don’t look at how many shots you done missed or made…You put the work in. That’s what you work all summer for. “We believe in him like we believe in Gerald [Green] and everybody on our team, and we keep playing and staying the course.”"

Although the following performance from Harden might not be viewed as his magnum opus by most basketball spectators, the 6’5″, 220-pound product still found a way to lead Houston in scoring despite producing an underwhelming night by his standards. He showed tremendous growth in a never-ending battle in which he was constantly tested and struggled through foul trouble.

Throughout the night, Harden remained patient and accepted what Utah’s defensive strategy gave him, taking the free route towards the lane en route to setting up a series of lobs and 3-point shots for his teammates via kick-outs on the way to 10 assists. He refused to allow his shooting woes to dictate his play at the other end, as the former Arizona State standout garnered one of his game-high six steals — and used it — to throw down a ferocious tomahawk dunk that sparked a late Rockets run.

"“Keep shooting. Keep being aggressive,” Harden said in his postgame press conference when asked about his mindset after going 0-for-14 through the first three quarters of play. “0-for-15, 14-of-15, 15-of-15, my job is to go out there and produce, being aggressive and in attack mode. “Nothing changes.”"