's average scoring of more than 30 points per game in a single season is already a great achievement, and when he averaged more than 35 points per game that season, he is even more of a super giant. Since entering the 21st century, only two players have averaged more than 35 points per game in a single season. One is Kobe Bryant and the other is Harden. In terms of points per game, Harden averaged 36.1 points per game in 2019, while Kobe averaged 35.4 points per game in 2006. So has Harden surpassed Kobe?
We might as well take a look at the team's scoring average in the 2006 season when these two players scored 35+ points. In 2006, when more emphasis was placed on physical combat, the league's highest scoring average was only 108 points, while the Lakers The score is less than a hundred. Kobe averaged 35.4 points per game and accounted for 35.6% of the team's scoring, while Harden started a scoring spree in 2019. The league averaged 111 points per game, and Harden's scoring accounted for 31.6% of the team's scoring.
It can be seen from this that Kobe's importance in the team is higher than Harden. In addition to the offensive end, Kobe's performance on the defensive end is undoubtedly better than Harden. That season, Kobe not only entered the NBA's best first team, but also entered the NBA's best defense. His mental attributes on the court were not comparable to Harden's. He gained more through attacking inside. To score, Harden will get under the referee's control and frequently stand on the free throw line. This is what many people dislike about Harden.
Harden's scoring is more due to changes in defensive rules. Compared with Kobe, the defensive gap is huge. It is not scientific to compare just by scoring. And the most intuitive thing is that other teams' defense against Kobe is the same. Double team, but guard Harden from behind, otherwise it is a foul.
