James Harden has had a rough few games including the most recent win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Harden scored 29 points on 8-29 FG, 2-18 3PT and 11-12 from FT line. Hardin also recorded 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 8 turnovers in 36 minutes.
Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA [CC BY-SA 2.0]
I don’t expect this to continue and I’m sure it is just a blip on the radar, but Harden has shown some frustration including slamming the ball into the ground and right off his face. Although I’m not sure what he expected to happen, it is a basketball, it didn’t take an odd bounce as a football would. The best part is the reaction of Pelicans player Josh Hart, which I think, will turn into a meme-worthy of the internet.
This clip also made it obvious that Harden flops a lot. The dude barely flinched after taking the ball right off the face. Yet, he flails around anytime someone touches him.
Either way, I expect Hardin to come alive against the Thunder. I can't see Harden shooting 23.8% or 11.5% from the 3PT for much longer or continuing to average 7.5 turnovers.
Personally, for me, it is refreshing to not see Harden draw so many fouls. He is great at drawing fouls, but something atheistically speaking for me is not enjoyable to watch.