James Harden returns to MVP form

Rockets survived the poor offensive performance from James Harden Game against Thunder 7 On Wednesday night, similar efforts against the Lakers were likely to secure the short series. Still after Houston 112-97 wins in Game 1 On Friday, there is little reason to worry about the three-time scoring champion. Harden’s Shooting Difficulty vs. Oklahoma City seems to be an outlier caused by Dout. Houston’s flagship man was the MVP for his explosive victory in Round 1 vs. Los Angeles.

Harden tuned Houston for the opening Friday night. Each of his first five shots was in the lane. This is a welcome sign after the stream that missed the triple against Thunder. Harden felt little resistance around him, regardless of the garrison in front of him. Dwight Howard and Javel McGee remained moored primarily in corner shooting games, with no deterrent edge. Harden lived on the free throw line on the way to the paint and 25 first half points. He triggered one of Houston’s overwhelming game wins. The big digital scoreboards documented the proceedings of the game with relentless accuracy.

After half time, Harden didn’t brighten the scoreboard with 36 points on 20 shots. However, his domination forced the Los Angeles double team diet, releasing the shooter across the floor. Five rockets hit multiple 3 on Friday. Russell Westbrook enjoyed a feast in the lane in the second half. Harden’s otherworldly talent can make the life of his teammates very easy. The Houston support cast benefited on Friday.

Given the lack of talent in the perimeter of Los Angeles, the Rockets assumed they could score on the bunch Friday, but Houston’s defensive efforts were shocking. Each rocket Held myself against Anthony Davis In many post-ups, an effective wall against Lebron James was successfully formed when he drove to the can. The Lakers dynamic duo ended the night with only 45 shots and 31 shots, but the buckets that were made were Houston’s co-existence. Davis was forced to do many tough turnarounds. James found no rhythm because the fourth quarter point ended at 0. The Lakers are legal in size and the front coat talent may be unmatched. But there are blueprints to stop them. Houston ran it to Tee in Game 1.

“The match went really well,” said Mike Dantoni Head Coach of the Rockets. “I should have done a bit better in the first half, but in the second half I had a good defense. I made it work on every shot, so I want to do that,” he said.

We must expect Harden’s double team to continue throughout the second round. James could probably fill the scoreboard faster in Game 2. A long series is waiting. The first game is likely to be a prologue more than a precursor to the future. But it’s hard to think of Game 1 as anything other than a sign of rocket encouragement. Their defense remains elite. Their MVP is back on track. Houston spent most of 2019 to 20 years promoting the championship cap. It was certainly on display when the second round opened on Friday night.