"Harden" The Paint | James Harden Chases greatness / January 7, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi

James Harden is on pace to a career best season. His heroic performances have led the Houston Rockets back in the playoffs run; they currently sit at 4th in the Western conference. Despite the Rocket’s slow start James Harden has galvanized their ball club back into a good flow, winning 12 of their last 14 games. Over the last 11 games, Harden has scored 30 or more points and is averaging 40 points during this streak. Harden currently leads the NBA in scoring (33.6), 3-pointers made (162), and free-throws made (318). I don’t know what is more impression: recording his fifth straight 40-point game? Scoring 30 points or more in the last 11 games? Or leading a short-handed Houston team to a 4th seed in the Western conference. On Thursday the Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors after trailing by 20 points, James Harden was absolutely unstoppable recording 44 points, 10 rebound, and 15 assists. Including the game winning shot with 1-second left. James Harden’s late heroics prove why he’s a strong candidate for the MVP award. When the media asked Coach D’Antoni about the progress on his ball club and the elevation of his lead guard he clearly expressed the adjustments that were made and the stellar play of Harden. The Houston Rockets have clawed their way back into the playoff contention.

“He just has a mastery of the game and a control and an ease at which he plays... Nobody does what he does on a nightly basis”

— Mike D'Antoni

James Harden has stirred up the great debate as to why he’s deserves this years MVP award. Harden has channeled his focus on being the sole leader for the Rockets and with his elevated leadership role Harden set his expectations higher than ever. Coming off his MVP campaign last season, Harden continues to play his best brand of basketball averaging 33.6 points, 8.6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. He has become the front-runner of the MVP race, out-duelling Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. His premier scoring ability and sharp shooting has captured the attention of many throughout the league. Houston best weapon Harden accounts for a large percentage of their offense, his offensive versatility makes him the biggest threat on the court. Coach Mike D’Antoni praises the superior level of play by Harden in the absence of Chris Paul and Eric Gordon. Give some credit to Coach D’Antoni who is a mastermind for the idea of putting Harden at the point guard position. When reporters asked Harden about the conversation of MVP, he clearly stated that he would be receiving that award at the end of the season. A win would not only solidify Harden as the top player in the league, but he add his name to the list of greats such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Moses Malone, Tim Duncan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabar. The only NBA players that won back-to-back MVP awards in the last 10 years are LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

“You can only name a few other people that should be in the conversation. But realistically it’s coming back”

— James Harden

James Harden has solidified himself as the top offensive threat in league, surpassing Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. Since the 2012 season, Harden has averaged 25 points or better finishing top 5 in scoring every year. The uniqueness of his game is highlighted off his crafty handles and stellar scoring ability. It’s hard to contain a player who can score from the perimeter and get in the lane to finish a play. Harden is most effective in isolation, where he leads the NBA in Iso points. Over the years Harden has faced a lot of scrutiny and criticism due to his post-season mishaps and defensive flaws. But, after last year’s playoff run Harden redefined himself as a world-class player in NBA. As of late Harden’s name has circulated in the conversation as the greatest scorer of all-time. Over the last 11 games Harden accumulated 400 points, which became the most by any player since Kobe Bryant’s 396 points outburst over 10 games in 2007. In 30 years the only players on that list was Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. After last night’s lost to the Trailblazer’s Harden ended his 40- point streak at 5 games. As we approach the half way point of the season Harden is leads the NBA in scoring by a margin of 5 points, which is the largest margin by any player in NBA history. Harden will arguably go down as one of the leagues greatest scorers as well as a hall of fame inductee. It’s only a matter of time to see how his career will unfold.

“I will say this, James Harden is the greatest scorer in the game today. This brother is something special! He’s that sensational.”

— Stephen A. Smith

Thanks: ESPN, NBA,Bleacher Report, Hoop Scene

Athlete: James Harden

Stay Melo | Houston's Got A Problem / November 16, 2018 by Hussein Abdullahi

The Houston Rockets and All-star forward Carmelo Anthony haven’t been on the same grid thus far. According to fellow reporters, Carmelo may have played his last game in a Rockets Uniform. Anthony is averaging 13.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 0.5 apg, but still haven’t solidified his role on their ball club. The Rockets haven’t found their niche yet, which can be attributed to the departure of wing defenders Trevor Ariza and Luc’ Mbah A Monte. This season the Rockets are allowing 119.2 points a night, which is 10 more points allowed than last season. Coming off last season’s campaign, The Rockets Won 65 games and lost in the Western Conference Finals to The Golden State Warriors. It’s safe to say that “Houston We Have A Problem”. To date The Rockets sit below .500 and out of playoff contention. Houston’s problems consist of lack of ball movement, ineffective defense, and poor shooting. Let’s see how things pan out for Houston this season.

It’s easy to point the finger when things are in turmoil. Collectively, The Houston Rockets have failed to get things to work at this moment. Carmelo Anthony has been thrown in the fire and is being blamed for all of the mishaps. In the 10 games played Carmelo has scored 20-plus points in 4 of those games, he’s proved that he can be a contributor for The Rockets. It’s no surprise that the media and organization changed the narrative to make Anthony the main culprit for The Rocket’s failures. Carmelo’s long time friend Dwayne Wade has came to his defence and stated his views on the whole situation. He believes that the Rockets are trying to use Melo as a scapegoat; I deem the statement to have some truth behind it due to the statistics that were viewed. The Rockets rank at 28th in 3pt percentage, and 25th in pace. In order for Houston to find a solution, they must address their problems. Wade and Anthony came into the league together back in 2003, with Wade is in his final season of his career. The future Hall of Fame guard believes Melo has a lot more to give any ball club in the league.

“Trying to make my guy the fall out guy huh? Man y’all need to stop. That’s the easy way out instead of addressing the real problem.
”

— Dwayne Wade

Let’s turn the page over to the numbers. We have witnessed an enormous decline of The Rockets this season. Lack of productivity from their guards play can attribute to their slow start. The inconsistent shooting from Eric Gordon, Gerald Green and Michael Carter-Williams plays a vital role in The Rockets slump. MVP James Harden is slowly getting back into Rhythm and Chris Paul still hasn’t got back into playoff form. So if you ask me, the root of the problems runs deeper than Carmelo Anthony himself. Up to date, The Rockets currently sit at 28th in pace, and 25th in 3pt % (32.7). Before we blame Anthony for the dysfunctional play of The Rockets let’s pump the brakes. Coach Mike D’Antoni spoke about his team struggles after their lost to Oklahoma City Thunder and he stressed the importance of shooting at a high percentages and playing solid defense.

“Our problem is that we can’t shoot the basketball, that’s the hindrance in the problem. ”

— Mike D'Antoni

Whether or not Anthony decides to continue the season with the Rockets is still the topic of discussion. Let’s not forget the great contributions that Carmelo has made during his 16 year career. Carmelo Anthony’s long list of accomplishments will lead him into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Melo is the first NBA athlete to win three Olympic gold medals, he is arguably one of the best international players to grace the hardwood. He has captured a NCAA title back in 2003 and was named the Most Outstanding Player. In the peak of his career Melo was seen as a dominant scorer averaging 28.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. In the last 2 seasons the media has created a misconception of Carmelo Anthony, and for that reason people like to point the finger and blame Melo for their teams failures. I think it might be time for the 10-time all-star to close a chapter in his book and move forward. He’s been able to rewrite history in the NBA and has an illustrious career. From the mean streets of Baltimore to the NBA, its safe to say that Carmelo’s success isn’t determined by his last 2 seasons, but his contributions made to the game of basketball. Do you want to see Melo finish the season in a Rocket’s Uniform? or do you think it’s time for him to start his farewell tour?

Thanks: ESPN, Bleacher Report, NBA

Athlete: Carmelo Anthony