James Harden in the two seasons from 18-19 and 19-20 averaged 35/7/8 across 146 games. He led the league in winshares during the span with 28.3.
While often labelled as a playoff under-performer, he also averaged 31/7/6 on 60% TS in the playoffs during this span.
His peak was truly remarkable and it’s a shame he only won a single MVP during his offensive prime.
Just to put things in perspective, Giannis who won two MVPs averaged 28/13/6 on 63% TS in the regular season during that span and 26/13/5 in the playoffs on 58% TS.
| Player | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Harden (18-20) | 35/7/8 - 62% TS | 31/7/6 - 60% TS |
| Giannis (18-20) | 28/13/6 - 63% TS | 26/13/5 - 58% TS |
Harden was a pioneer of statistic breaking offense. His game revolved around three point shooting, near zero midrange shooting, foul baiting and high percentage shot attempts at the rim.
Prime Harden should have won two MVPs, but the media gave MVP to Steph in 2015 based on his team’s record, just an example of voters always moving the goal posts, sometimes they give it to the best player on the best team and sometimes they give it to the best player in the league despite their record, like how Jokic won MVP in 2020 despite the Nuggets being 3rd in the west and having the league’s 5th best record
Harden didn’t win MVP in 2015 despite his insane season but he won the first ever MVP decided by players only, the players in the league knew Harden was carrying his team more than Steph, must have been at least a little bit of consolation for Harden to know the guys he played against thought he was MVP
They always used to favor the best team for MVP, that only changed with the Westbrook MVP and since. But 2015 Steph beat out Harden in most advanced stats while also having comparable per-36 counting stats (remember, the 14-15 Warriors were blowing teams out with regularity, Steph sat a lot of 4th quarters and only played 32 mpg vs Harden’s nearly 37. It’s not like Harden got snubbed.
He should have won over Westbrook in my opinion, though. Better record, similar stats on better efficiency, largely outperformed preseason expectations with a surrounding cast that wasn’t much better than what Russ had.
Also, when talking about player-voted MVP, you have to realize a lot of players back then did not think Steph was all that, including Harden himself (“they ain’t even that good”). Nowadays he gets his flowers but back then, especially before 2015–16, players didn’t respect him as much as great players with more traditional playstyles.
That game 7 will haunt harden harder than scary terry haunts lebron.
I mean the whole team shot terrible, but come on.
He will also retire ringless
who cares rings should not have so much weight when u consider how much luck is required to win them. Y’all say ts ab rings for one player but then when it comes to other players everyone moves the goalposts and say rings don’t matter.
3 second place finishes in the MVP voting is wild for Harden
Finishing second in MVP voting while averaging 36 PPG is wild.
8 more points per game than #2 in scoring.
I wish harden won a ring. When it came to a player carrying a team like lebron in recent times. He’s probably the closest will ever see to that.
Luka…?
He arguably did it better, just at a worse time. The warriors were a top 2 team ever, and for a while Harden made us believe he could eliminate them. Not through vibes or crazy hypothetical (“if they won game 1 who knows”), but by taking them to game 7.
I wish he won a ring with the Rockets too. Dude deserved it. Freaking refs rigged that shit for the Warriors.
James harden. Where do I even begin. U are my hero
Both had better MVP seasons than Jokic
should have won back to back MVPs
now post his usg rate vs Giannis
While often labelled as a playoff under-performer, he also averaged 31/7/6 on 60% TS in the playoffs during this span.
When you state shit like this, you completely miss why Harden was labeled as a playoff underperformer.
He has always been a volatile player come playoff time. Dominant highs and pathetic lows.
He’s still the only superstar I’ve ever seen that got benched in a 4th quarter of an elimination game. He has many, many big chokes in key moments that stand out in his career. And unfortunately for him, his low points outshine his high points.
Harden is a generational offensive talent, but his incompetent and low-effort defense, and numerous low points in his playoff career tarnish what should be considered as one of the legendary careers of the modern game.
And frankly, he’s changed his game in his twilight after losing his speed/athleticism to continue being an effective point guard (unlike Russ, whose career predictably fell of a cliff after his athleticism waned).
Won’t really be appreciated till he retires
he was a stud it’s a shame his team injuries and the refs favoring the warriors Turned the tide and change his history dude should easily have 2 rings.