1. Contain James Harden
One could make a compelling case that Houston Rockets superstar James Harden is the current frontrunner for MVP. Whether or not you believe Harden should be ahead of Russell Westbrook or LeBron James for that distinction, it’s clear that he belongs in the conversation.
If the New York Knicks are going to defeat the Rockets, then the defense must be able to contain Harden and prevent him from having another all-time performance.
Harden is currently averaging 27.8 points, 11.8 assists, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 3.0 3-point field goals made per game. He’s doing so on an efficient slash line of .448/.351/.843 and is getting to the free throw line for 10.1 attempts per contest.
For perspective, Harden is on pace to become the first player since Tiny Archibald in 1972-73 to record averages of at least 27.0 points and 11.0 assists per game.
Harden has momentum on his side after torching the Los Angeles Clippers for 30 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and five steals. The last time the Knicks and Rockets played, he was just as dominant with 30 points and 15 assists.
Preventing Harden from having a strong performance may be out of the equation, but New York can prevent him from going off.
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Houston isn’t the type of team New York can afford to get into a shootout with. The Knicks must step up on defense in order to win on the road.