James Harden will get his own, can Jazz stop ‘the other guys’?
Whether you love or hate the way James Harden plays, or find yourself somewhere in between, there’s no denying that he’s an incredible talent that oftentimes is nigh unstoppable. The Utah Jazz recognize as much, and even though it’s important to do everything to slow Harden, at the end of the day he’s still going to find a way to put up big numbers.
That’s evidenced strongly by how well he’s performed in Rockets wins versus losses. In wins, he’s putting up 37 points per game. In losses, he’s at an only slightly lower 34.4 points per game. Sure that’s a decline, but think about it – 34.4 points per game. In losses. That’s insane! How many players would kill to average 34.4 points per game period. Win or lose, Harden is going to get his own.
True, in losses his efficiency, particularly from 3-point land, goes down significantly, so if Utah can aim to force Harden into tough shots and get his shooting percentages down, that will be helpful to their cause. But surprisingly, slowing down Harden likely won’t be their most crucial task. Instead it will be slowing down his supporting cast, making sure that while Harden drops his points by the dozen, his teammates can’t simply run the Jazz into the ground further.
Guys like Chris Paul, Eric Gordon, Clint Capela and P.J. Tucker are the ones that the Jazz will have to absolutely make a point of emphasis to stop. Paul, like Harden, has been pretty consistent in wins versus losses. But the same can’t be said for the others as when they’ve been rendered less effective, it’s often been the downfall of the Rockets. As an example, in wins Tucker (who I swear never misses a corner three against the Jazz) shoots 42.4 percent from three. In losses, he’s at just 29.6 percent.
That’s an ideal example of how if Harden’s supporting cast is left unchecked, that’s where the Rockets bury you. Harden is going to easily go off for between 30-50 points (if not more) each game. Limiting him is crucial for potential close game situations. But if he’s going off for that while Chris Paul is filling it up, Gordon and Tucker are lighting it up from three and Capela is having his way in the paint, that’s when the Rockets become unstoppable.
Houston’s role players had their way against the Jazz in the 2018 postseason, but ideally the Jazz will be better prepared this time around. Their playoff success likely depends on it.