James Harden is putting together a tremendous season for the Houston Rockets, who look like they may mount a challenge to the Golden State Warriors in the West as the postseason grows near. While Houston has a more potent and varied attack than ever, the team clearly goes as Harden goes, and his 60-point triple-double is just the latest example of that.
Harden is averaging 31.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists despite, at least at times, sharing the floor with Chris Paul, who says The Beard’s performance this year is worthy of the MVP award.
With Russell Westbrook not putting up insane, superhuman numbers in Oklahoma City this year, Paul said it’s not going to be close when MVP voters finally get the chance to coronate Harden later this year.
“A dynamic guard like that, a guy who can score and pass, do whatever,” Paul told the Houston Chronicle. “I think he showed everybody why he’s going to be the MVP. Not even going to be close.”
It’s more that just polite compliments coming from those around Harden this year, either. Here’s Paul on how he’s changed despite the different lineups Houston has had this year due to injuries.
“You look at how many different lineups we’ve had,” Paul said. “Look at what he does for our team. All everybody does now is look at the numbers. Nothing against stats. … But nobody looks at how the game went. Watch the game, too. I’m here. I get to see what he’s doing night in, night out.
It’s clear the bold experiment with Paul and Harden in Houston is working, and the former Clipper is thrilled to be in Houston watching Harden work. The goal for this team, though, is far more than an MVP and regular season success. And with the MVP all but wrapped up for Harden, they’ll have a lot of time to figure out how they’ll beat Golden State in the playoffs.
