The Los Angeles Lakers did very little to stop James Harden, especially in the first half!
It’s games like these that make fans wonder what in the world does this team does in its downtime. Sure, you have to get away from hoops a little, but the team played two games in 11 days. Whatever the scenario, there’s this nasty rumor going around that James Harden is the best scorer in the NBA over the last three years. Maybe the scoring championships are a clue.
But find anywhere in the highlights, where there was a double team? Look hard now!
The Beard (36 PTS) silenced the Lakers in Game 1 🚀 pic.twitter.com/UOFxELOBSt
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) September 5, 2020
James Harden dismantled every person put in front of him in game 1. Is this the players’ fault? Partly. But this isn’t little league…double teams are allowed.
James Harden put on a clinic scoring 25 points in the first half on his way to a robust 36 for the night. If Eric Gordon hadn’t gone crazy in the 4th, the “Beard” could have sniffed 50. The Lakers defended him like he had skipped a few showers.
This was an efficient shooting night too. 12-20 from the field (3-6 from distance!) while adding 5 assists was quite a night. It wasn’t those flopping type of plays to get him to the line that is complained about around the league. This was a skilled whipping folks.
The next lesson is about the players that were supposed to be checking him. Read on!