James Harden Believes ‘This Is The Year’ For The Rockets


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On the eve of a big matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden spoke to ESPN and revealed he thinks that the Rockets are in a position to give the Golden State Warriors a major challenge in the Western Conference.

“This is the year,” Harden told ESPN on Tuesday. “For sure.”

A quote like that is the latest evidence that the Rockets are confident they can beat the Warriors, and right now, it’s tough to argue against that thinking. Winners of 13 straight, Houston is sitting in first place in the Western Conference. They beat the Warriors on opening night, and though they sit just a half game above the defending champs, confidence seems to be at an all-time high for Harden’s Rockets.


“This is probably the best team I’ve ever been a part of, from top to bottom,” Harden said. “The chemistry that we have, included with the coaching staff — I mean, we’re having a lot of fun.”

Saying “this is the year” is a pretty bold proclamation, but far from a guarantee. But confidence is necessary to take down a Warriors team that’s dominated the league over the last three seasons.

As far as the upcoming game against the Clippers, the two teams have a bit of history from the last time they met. But Blake Griffin isn’t there anymore, and Harden said he’s not worried about any more shenanigans.

“I was there, and I didn’t like it at all,” Harden told ESPN when asked about what happened between the teams in January. “But I’m happy to be on the court tomorrow and help my teammates.”

Harden seems happy. The Rockets are happy. But the real work is yet to begin.

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