Rockets Can't Hide Hardens Defensive Faults

[jonathanlambert33]

The first time the Rockets and Clippers met this season, James Harden turned in a defensive performance well worthy of public shaming. It was a perfect blend of inattention and malaise, so inauspicious that Houston coach Kevin McHale sat Harden for the entire fourth quarter of a 137-118 loss on Nov. 4. That might seem like a dramatic move considering that the Rockets still had time to close the gap (they trailed by 15 points entering the final period), but given the altogether depressing quality of Hardens coverage, McHales decision was justifiably pragmatic.

This past Saturday, though, offered Harden occasion to revisit those blunders in a rematch with the Clippers. He would have a chance to remedy the plays in which he seemed to doze off while guarding sharpshooter J.J. Redick (who had 26 points on 8-of-15 from the field and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line in the first meeting). Hed be given another go at those possessions he botched by allowing his man to drive past him. There would be no element of surprise, as Harden would know full well that anything but his full attention would likely get him burned by cutters and spot shooters. Solid, dependable defense wouldnt make for such entertaining GIFs, but a better showing could offer a thin slice of redemption.

http://nba.si.com/2013/11/11/james-harden-defensive-faults-houston-rockets/

 

[BwareDWare94]

They're certainly not going to hide it by letting Jeremy Lin fill in for an injured James Harden.
 
I don't care how cold Garcia is, start him. Let him get his shot going. Come on. Lin would have been just as sharp shooting off the bench.