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When James Harden took 20 foul pictures vs. Orlando, it marked but new milestones for the Nets celebrity. It was the 73rd time Harden has made no less than 15 free throws in a recreation, probably the most such video games in NBA historical past by 17, as Justin Kabatkso, of Statitudes famous post-game.
It was additionally the fifth time he’s shot no less than 95 % on 20 or extra FTA, additionally probably the most such video games in NBA historical past. He’s at present and appropriately No. 13 in most free throws ever with an opportunity of shifting into the highest 10 by season’s finish.
NBA historical past certainly and excellent news for each him and the Nets excellent news. Officers, getting accustomed to interpretations of latest guidelines, are calling extra fouls on Harden’s opponents and it’s exhibiting up within the field rating, as Newsday’s Greg Logan famous Sunday.
Within the first 12 video games, Harden shot six or fewer foul pictures 11 occasions, reaching double-digits as soon as. Previously 5 video games, he reached double-digits 4 occasions and made 57 of 63 free throws. The affect on his scoring common has been profound. He’s averaging 21.2 factors this season however 28.4 over the previous 5 video games, and by the way in which, he’s changing a career-high 89.1% on the line.
Harden is not the “poster boy” for the brand new NBA rule that bans refs from calling fouls if an offensive participant makes “a non-basketball transfer” to provoke contact. As Steve Nash mentioned Friday evening, issues are reverting to regular … and also you merely can’t ignore Harden’s ability going to the basket.
“I do assume the referees are beginning to determine what’s nonetheless a basketball foul and what a non-basketball play is,” Nash mentioned. “Early it was troublesome for them to know the place the road was. He’s such a troublesome man to cowl together with his dimension, pace, quickness and talent to shoot over anybody from three that [defenders] need to get near him.
“Then, he’s so sturdy that after he will get a step on you, it’s nearly unattainable to not foul him as a result of it’s both get out of the way in which or draw contact. That’s what makes him sensible is his potential to penetrate, to take contact and to dictate what occurs when that contact occurs.”
Others have advised that Harden has subtly modified his focus from drawing fouls to attending to the rim and no matter occurs, occurs.
Harden (well) has declined to debate officiating by what one would possibly name the transition.
“I don’t wish to speak about officiating,” Harden mentioned. “I’m simply attempting to assault the basket.”
For the Nets, with out Kyrie Irving and now Joe Harris, Harden’s historic attacking ability will probably be wanted. So will his potential to make these pictures on the line.
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