put Harden in the starting power forward position, and Nash showed off another magic operation. Such an arrangement even D'Antoni dare not make. Harden talked about this after the game, he said: "It's no different." The words are different, but the actual situation is quite different. Harden needs to defend bigger players, the ball has also been reduced, let a defender play the 4th position, really use Harden as James? In fact, after Irving came back, Harden made a lot of sacrifices, and going to the 4th position was just one of the sacrifices. The biggest sacrifice is undoubtedly the decline in Harden's data. Irving's presence or absence, Harden is completely different.
In the two games where Irving was absent, Harden broke the record, scoring 32 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists in the first game, becoming the first player in NBA history to show a 30+ triple-double, and in the second game He also scored 34 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists and 13 of 25 shots. In these two games, Harden averaged 33 points per game, which is undoubtedly Harden's normal strength. In both games, the Nets won the game. During this winning streak, Harden and Durant both played very happily, and even went back to the locker room with a smile. The joy was obvious, and Harden also expressed his joy many times after the game.
But after Owen came back, everything was different. In the two games with Irving, Harden struggled. In the first game, he scored 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Although it was a triple-double, he only scored 21 points and made 6 of 14 shots. In the second game, Durant was absent, Harden still only made 6 of 14 shots and only scored 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. After two games, Harden averaged only 20 points and only 28 shots. Harden's decline is too fast! From an average of 33 points to 20 points per game, there was no 13 points. From a super star to a passing starter.
In these two games, Irving obviously played better than Harden, averaging 37.5 points per game, much more than Harden. In addition, Irving made 52 shots in the two games, 28 shots in the first game and 24 shots in the second game. Irving made 52 shots in two games and Harden shot 28. The status of the two teams is clear at a glance. It can be seen that after Irving came back, Harden actively or passively reduced the number of shots.When the two played together, Harden didn't play very aggressively, and was no longer as lethal as before. From the game point of view, Harden seems to be closing the fight and actively giving the ball to Irving to attack.
Fans who have watched the game should be able to see that when the two are on the court together, it is usually Owen who ends the game. Although Harden was able to dribble and distribute the ball, most of the shots turned into Irving in the end. Harden sometimes even had a chance not to shoot, just to create opportunities for Irving. To put it harder, Harden looked a little bit trying to please Irving, trying to make Irving cheer. Such a picture is really helpless, I really don't know whether Harden is good or not. You are obviously a big brother, and you want to be Owen's little brother. Judging from the strength of the two, Harden is actually stronger than Irving.
Don’t deny it, Harden has led the scoring for three consecutive times, averaging 30+ points per game, and his personal scoring is completely cutting vegetables. The previous two games have proved that Harden can score assists and grab both hands. Although Irving is also a strong scorer, Irving has not yet won the scoring leader. In contrast, Harden's ability is actually better. Before Irving came back, I believe many fans thought Durant was the boss, Harden was the second, and Irving was the third. However, after Irving came back, Harden directly became Irving's younger brother, the team status is obviously not as good as Irving.
In the Rockets, you are the boss. Whether you work with Paul or Westbrook, you are the star. But after coming to the Nets, how did Harden become the little brother of Irving? This is really incomprehensible. In the last 9 years, you have been the most humble team leader for so many years, and you are willing to sacrifice like this. Harden has also worked hard. However, the current situation is that if Harden does not take the initiative to attack, it is still difficult for the Nets to win the game.
The Nets need Harden to play more aggressively and at the same time to be more efficient. You know, in order to leave the Rockets, Harden gave up the 100 million contract extension. Does it now seem to give up the 100 million value? If the Nets don't win the championship and Harden's numbers still fall, it will really lose in all directions. If you want to become a big loser, Harden really should fight this time.
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