MVP favorite James Harden played phenomenally in this year's NBA playoffs—contrary to his reputation—but he wasn't exactly himself when his team needed him the most. The Houston Rockets took an 11-point lead into halftime of Game 7 Monday, but the Golden State Warriors stormed back in the second half to claim a 101-92 win and advance to the NBA Finals.
Harden finished with 32 points (on 12-for-29 shooting), six rebounds, and six rebounds, but he struggled in the second half. With his co-star, Chris Paul, sidelined, Houston relied on Harden to create offense, but his shots weren't falling. His struggles delighted his critics.
james harden in the second half pic.twitter.com/cjjPifRigk
James Harden is made only for the regular season.
After the game, Harden's opponent and former Oklahoma City teammate, Kevin Durant, said the Warriors planned to tire out Harden and knew he would wear down eventually.
Kevin Durant on @ESPNRadio "We knew at some point they’d tire out. James dribbled so much each possession, I know at some point he’ll wear down and we were going at him on the defensive side of the ball as well"
More KD on @ESPNRadio "There was no doubt we were going to come in here and play to the end and keep fighting no matter how many points we were down, we were down 15, we just kept coming"
Durant racked up 34 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the W. His team advanced to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, which commence Thursday at 9 p.m. EST.
