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The ultimate rating of Tuesday night time’s sport between the Lakers and Rockets belied simply how completely Los Angeles dominated Houston.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Co. jumped out to a 35-14 benefit by the tip of the primary quarter and led by as many as 30 factors within the third on the best way to a 117-100 victory. The Rockets sat on their bench in despair. The Lakers hopped out of their seats to have a good time when James launched a nook 3-pointer and turned towards his bench while the ball was still in the air.
MORE: NBA fans react to Harden’s postgame bombshell
So when Harden arrived on the podium after the loss, his common demeanor and tone did not shock anybody. Houston has misplaced 4 of its previous 5 video games (3-6 general, 14th within the Western Convention), and Harden is averaging simply 17.4 factors and taking pictures 37.8 % from the sector in that span.
“[We’re] simply not adequate,” Harden mentioned. “Clearly chemistry, talent-wise, simply all the things. And it was clear, like I mentioned, these previous few video games. They simply, from the start of the sport, they have been simply aggressive. Veteran group, clearly, championship group, among the finest groups that we now have on this league.”
The large shock got here when Harden, who has been on the heart of commerce reviews, rumors and hypothesis since November, adopted up these feedback by saying the quiet half out loud.
“I really like this metropolis. I actually have achieved all the things that I can,” Harden mentioned. “I imply, this case is loopy. It is one thing that I do not suppose might be fastened. Thanks.”
And with that, he walked away.
Harden has given the Rockets so much. Since becoming a member of the group in 2012, Harden has scored greater than 18,000 factors and led Houston to eight consecutive playoff berths, together with Western Convention finals appearances in 2015 and 2018. He’s an eight-time All-Star and former MVP. He is not simply one of many NBA’s high scorers — he’s a complete offensive system.
However here is the factor: Harden hasn’t achieved all the things that he can.
He did not show up for training camp on time. He flouted the league’s COVID-19 protocols by partying maskless in a number of cities. He compelled Stephen Silas to answer questions about his status relatively than his first marketing campaign as an NBA head coach. He is not near being in sport form. He would not appear concerned with trying to make a connection together with his teammates, particularly Rockets guard John Wall.
“I believe it has been just a little rocky,” Wall said of his relationship with Harden. “Cannot lie about that. I do not suppose it has been one of the best it might be, to be sincere. That is all I actually may say.”
Houston does bear some duty on this state of affairs. The Rockets’ tradition has been, as a former staffer informed ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, “No matter James desires.” Superstars all the time maintain a good quantity of energy and affect with their organizations, however Houston tipped the scales too far.
That is additionally a superb motive why Harden should not be appearing this manner. The Rockets have bent over backward to accommodate him, firing coach Kevin McHale and buying and selling away Dwight Howard and Chris Paul as a result of Harden reportedly pushed for these strikes. Houston is solely asking the 31-year-old to be knowledgeable because it seeks an affordable commerce package deal.
If Harden had reported to coaching camp in a well timed trend and put his expertise on full show to begin the season, he would not have simply been doing the precise factor for the Rockets. Commerce suitors might have been extra keen to tug the set off after seeing a motivated Harden constantly drop 30-plus factors on his opponents. The asking worth would have gone up. He could be a lot nearer to his objective of leaving Houston. He’s solely hurting himself.
Harden and the Rockets seem to have reached a breaking level, however issues did not have to finish this manner. It did not should get this ugly. Regardless of what Harden says, he may have achieved extra.
Editor’s be aware: This text was printed earlier than the Rockets traded Harden to the Nets as a part of a four-team deal.
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