Everything went bad for the Jazz last night as the Houston Rockets handed them their worst home loss in team history to the tune of 125-80. The league’s fifth leading scorer, James Harden, just happened to put a nightcap on the slaughter. Splitting through the defensive help on a high-elbow pick-and-roll, The Beard gathered a head full of steam for a vicious tomahawk jam that probably knocked snow off the roof of EnergySolutions Arena.
No starter for H-Town played more than 28 minutes, and Harden walked away with one of the easiest 25-point nights he’ll ever have in his career. Omer Asik’s 19 rebounds boost his season average up to 11.2, good for fifth in the Association.
Despite going 4-6 in their last 10 games, the Rockets have won three straight and find themselves tied with the Jazz for seventh place in the West. Pending Houston finishes the season strong, ending with a five or six seed, it would seem Harden would be deserving of MVP consideration, right? I’m not saying he’d win, but his mere presence alone in the race could sway one or two potential votes which could ultimately decide if LeBron walks away with his fourth in five years or if former teammate Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony (or Chris Paul if this knee situation prayerfully improves soon) secure their first.
Just another interesting subplot in the ever-evolving world that is David Stern’s NBA.