Houston Rockets: 5 keys for rest of series vs. Warriors
5. James Harden needs to be James Harden
Let’s get the easy one out of the way here. Frankly, the Rockets are not the same without James Harden. To compete against the Warriors, they’ll be hoping for the best version of Harden to be on the court every night.
The Beard finished Game 1 with 35 points, six assists and four rebounds. His nine field goals made on 28 shots, along with his 4-for-16 mark from behind the arc are clear examples of what need to get better. Harden seemed to recognize that as well.
Consistency will be key, and Harden needs to find that rhythm that helped him become the superstar he is today. He is an absolute scoring machine with a strong team behind him. He is relied upon more than almost any other player in the NBA, but has jumped at the opportunity to be an MVP-caliber player for his team. However, what good is that if you are unable to prove it on the biggest stage? Harden is a regular season beast, but it is time for him to bring that same success into the postseason.
During the regular season, Harden shot 44.2 percent from the field and maintained a 36.8 percent clip from 3. He was far from those numbers in Game 1, but he has the chance to right the ship. The entire Rockets organization, from fans to players, are hoping Harden is the man to get them another NBA championship. He has all the makings of the perfect addition to NBA folklore and beating the Warriors in round two is the best way to start that legacy.
If Harden fails to be more efficient, we could see a very quick series between the Rockets and Warriors. At the same time, the best version of Harden could make this series better than the NBA Finals. The rest of the team will thrive under his success and energy, making them a very dangerous squad to face over seven games, regardless of their opponent.
Unsurprisingly, the fate of the Rockets’ postseason hopes rests in Harden’s hands. He looks ready to seize the moment and send the Warriors packing. Easier said than done, though.