Frank Vogel has low key used double teams and Russell Westbrook to eliminate James Harden!
James Harden over the last few years had done a good job of shedding his reputation of quitting on his team. One more game in this series the way things are going, he’ll have that reputation back. He is about done. His body language is just screaming 1-2-3 Cancun!
The rest of his Rocket teammates had similar body language for much of Game 4. With one more game left in this series, the Lakers have made it clear that they are the superior team at this point.
If the Los Angeles Lakers actually give Houston a spark of life, it’s not coming from James Harden. Frank Vogel has devised a scheme that every elite team will use to stop this guy in the playoffs for the rest of his career. Harden hit a season-low two shots on 11 attempts.
The Lakers have officially double-teamed him out of the series. He won’t play defense if he’s not shooting and 21 points are not going to be enough to extend the series.
What has been the Lakers’ secret weapon? Russell Westbrook!
Somewhere Chris Paul is watching just shaking his head. He knew this was coming. After this series is over, especially when the Thunder came one minute and 42 seconds from ousting them last week, something is evident.
The trade was a mistake. James Harden will have a lot of sleepless nights this winter. Guaranteed.
As smooth as the double schemes the Lakers throw at Harden, it’s nothing compared to the mind games they’ve put on Russ. AD and LeBron get switched on to Westbrook almost laughing as they dare him to shoot. Russ just keeps firing. As long as Westbrook shoots making it a personal challenge, the Lakers don’t have to worry about Houston’s number one weapon.
Final lesson? Look everything wasn’t peaches and cream. The Lakers have some cleanup duties and we shine the light on a rookie!