The James Harden-led Houston Rockets have always fallen short of reaching the NBA Finals, but this year’s unique playoffs is a huge advantage for Houston.
Chris Paul‘s hamstring. 27 straight missed 3-pointers. A worn-out James Harden. These are just a few of the things that have haunted the Houston Rockets in the playoffs in recent history. Every year the Rockets put together a strong regular season and are hyped up as legitimate title contenders, but every season ends the same way with the Golden State Warriors knocking Houston out of the playoffs.
But the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a huge advantage for the Rockets and is their best opportunity in the James Harden era to bring a championship back to Houston. The key reason why the Rockets consistently fall short in their dreams of winning a title is fatigue, specifically from their superstar James Harden. Since the 2014-2015 season, Harden has played in 455 out of Houston’s 474 regular-season games.
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While many stars like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard sit out their fair share of games due to “load management”, Harden has played in an average of 96 percent of Houston’s regular season games over the past six seasons. As a result, Harden is completely exhausted come playoff time and does not have enough in him to propel the Rockets past the juggernauts of the NBA and into the finals.
Harden still puts up all-star level numbers in the playoffs, averaging 27.9 points with 56.3 true shooting percentage, 6.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs with the Rockets, but he simply has not provided the same firepower in the playoffs that he does in the regular season.
But this year’s playoffs will feature a completely different James Harden. Not only will Harden be fully rested, having more than four months of time off before the start of the playoffs, but he has also lost a significant amount of weight over quarantine and appears to be in the best shape of his life. Having a fully rested Harden who is in tip-top shape entering the playoffs is a huge boost to the Rocket’s title hopes.
Another reason why the Rockets are in a prime position to win a title is Harden’s new running mate, Russell Westbrook. Before the NBA season went on hiatus, Westbrook was arguably the hottest player in the league, having scored 20 or more points in 34 straight games.
Although Westbrook has not gotten past the first round of the playoffs since Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016, the narrative that he does not perform in the playoffs is completely false. Since 2016, Westbrook has averaged 29.8 points, 9.6 assists, and 10.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Not only should Westbrook continue to produce this postseason with Houston, but he provides the Rockets with a new and electric type of energy that will motivate his teammates and elevate their games.
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This four-month hiatus from basketball also ensures that the Houston Rockets’ key role players are at full strength for the playoffs. P.J. Tucker, an elite defender who has proven his ability to guard anyone in the league, will be charged with guarding the opposing team’s center due to Houston’s small-ball approach.
Having a fully rested Tucker will be overlooked by many but is a major advantage for the Rockets. Tucker has already shut down opposing big men in the regular season but being at full strength was going to be essential for him to lock down his man over a seven-game series and thanks to the NBA season being suspended since March he will be at full strength.
Another key role player, Eric Gordon, had been struggling with a knee injury all season but he too should be fully recovered and ready to go for the playoffs. Having the sharpshooting Gordon come off the bench is huge for the Rockets because his ability to score the ball is key to the team’s success.
While the odds may be stacked against the Rockets Harden and Westbrook are hungrier than ever to win the championship they have been chasing throughout their careers and they will be surrounded by a healthy and motivated group of players around them. With that being said, do not be surprised if this is the year the Houston Rockets are finally able to get over the hump and go all the way, bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy back to Houston for the first time since 1995.