1. Make Someone Else Beat Them
James Harden is going to post absurd statistics against virtually every opponent he faces. His offensive skill set is as well-rounded as any player’s in NBA history and his usage rate is certain to rank in the Top 5 in 2016-17.
Thus, if the New York Knicks are hoping to defeat Harden and the Houston Rockets, then the gameplan should be to make someone else beat them.
Harden is averaging 32.3 points, 11.8 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 3.3 3-point field goals made through four games. He’s an offensive juggernaut with a head coach, Mike D’Antoni, who’s enabling him to dominate the ball.
The best chance New York has at defeating the Rockets is to test Harden’s teammates and make them work for their offense.
Harden has two games with at least 30 points and 15 assists, and both of those games were losses. The most successful strategy against ball-dominant players has long been to let them dominate the ball and only bring a double team when it’s absolutely necessary.
Even if Harden feasts, having the other four defenders stay on their man will enable New York to prevent Houston’s other players from developing any type of rhythm.
Must Read: Positive takeaways from the Detroit Pistons game
Harden may go off, but the goal is to win games—not to prevent gaudy fantasy basketball numbers.