The NBA's superstars all have the ability to change the game on their own. At his peak, LeBron James was able to dominate the game at both ends of the game and create a lot of easy shooting opportunities for his teammates. James, who has his own system, can succeed no matter which team he is on.
James and Durant
Kevin Durant, on the other hand, can rely on his top scoring ability to change the opponent's defensive strategy. At key moments, Durant also has the ability to hammer the final word. Durant, who is tall and long-armed, but has a guard feel and agility, can form undifferentiated dislocation singles no matter who is in the position, which is the basis for KD to become a top star.
Chris Paul, on the other hand, has a top basketball IQ and excellent defense. Relying on an excellent overall view, super control ability and strong key ball ability, Paul has become the NBA's historical level of point guard. Paul's ability to lead the team and improve his record are all unique in the league.
Chris Paul
Superstars tend to shine on the playoff stage. On the runway of the finals, they can become the focus of the whole audience. James, Durant, Paul, all of them. The abilities and value of superstars often match their contracts perfectly. So, most of the superstars are on top salary contracts.
Several of the NBA's superstars
Averaging 19+5 per game, the top salary of 270 million is gradually drifting away! Without Paul and Durant, Harden finally appeared in his original form!
Harden's semifinal performance was subdued
However, 76ers star James Harden has drifted away from the maximum salary contract. According to previous reports, Harden had the opportunity to sign a five-year super-salary contract with Philadelphia for about 270 million in the offseason. However, Harden's performance in the playoffs was a big surprise.
James Harden
Jornbid led the 76ers to a 4-2 victory over the Raptors in the first round, helping Philadelphia reach the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, the first round of G6 suffered two major injuries, an orbit fracture and a slight concussion, resulting in Embiid, who is known as the first interior line in the current game, missing the first two games of the semi-finals.
As the core of the 76ers' backcourt and the team's first high salary, James Harden naturally became the leader who led Philadelphia to continue to move forward. However, Harden was completely lost in the semifinals. With Embiid uninjured in the first round, Harden has become the fourth scorer in the team after Embiid, Harris and Maxi. Since Embiid's absence from the semifinals, Harden's performance is even more difficult to say.
Embiid and Harden
In the semifinals, Harden looked confused against the Heat's pockets and focused defense. In the semifinals G1, Harden shot 5 of 13, 2 of 7 from three-point range, 4 of 4 from the free throw line, had 16 points, 9 boards and 5 assists, and made the most mistakes in the game. Harden scored only four points in the second half of the campaign. When the team needed Harden most, he became invisible. Miami eventually beat Philadelphia 106-92 to welcome the semi-finals off.
In the semifinals G2, Harden shot 6 of 15, 1 of 5 from three-point range and 7 of 7 from the free throw line, and had 20 points, 4 boards, 9 assists, 1 block and 3 turnovers. Harden made 1 of 5 shots in the second half and scored only four points. In the final quarter, Harden shot 0-of-2 and scored 2 points on just free throws. The 76ers collapsed again in the final quarter at G2, losing 103-119.
Harden slumped, with the 76ers trailing 0-2 in the semifinals
In the semifinals, harden scored just four points in the second half. Harden, who carries an annual salary of 44.31 million, lacked aggression in the second half. Harden's poor play was the main reason for Philadelphia's two consecutive losses in the semifinals.
The 76ers, who averaged 15 points per game, were hit by Miami. Harden's performance in key games and key moments has once again appeared to pull the crotch.
James Harden
Statistics show that harden averaged 7.1 points and 4.4 assists in the second half of the playoffs this season, shooting 37% from the field and 32% from three-point range. The corresponding figure in the first half was 11.6 points and 5 assists per game, shooting 42% and 37% from both fields. Compared with the first half, the status and efficiency of the second half have dropped significantly.
Harden's second-half scoring and efficiency were not as good as the first half
This means that Harden has confirmed the name of weakness, inability to score, and inability to lead the team to win at key moments.
Statistics show that in the 8 games since the playoffs, Harden has only shot more than 40% of the shots in 2 games. This means that in the face of the high-pressure defense of the playoffs, Harden's lack of scoring ability and inefficient scoring are exposed. Harden's offensive deterrent and offensive efficiency have all declined sharply in the playoffs.
Harden's playoff performance continues to be sluggish
Statistics show that Harden has played 29 games for the 76ers (including the regular season and playoffs), but the number of shots in a single game has never reached 20. This means that Harden has lacked desire and aggression on the offensive end. Even in Embiid's absence, Harden is unwilling, or incapable of carrying, the team on the offensive end.
Embiid missed two games in the semi-finals due to injury, and James Harden's poor performance was infinitely magnified. In fact, James Harden's weak playoff performance and crotch pulling at key moments have become the norm.
The average appearance of Kazakhstan is 19+5, and the top salary of 270 million is gradually drifting away
So far in the playoffs, Ha has averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 boards and 9.4 assists. Averaging 19+5+9 per game, Harden clearly doesn't have the ability to get a 270 million top salary contract. Harden left the Nets, left Durant, and tried to follow Embiid to the championship. Today, Harden's poor performance in the playoffs not only makes him drift away from the 270 million maximum salary, but even the championship seems to have become a dream.
76ers star James Harden
Statistics show that when the Heat led 2-0 in a 4-4 series in seven games in the playoffs, the final series record was 16 wins and 0 losses. When the 76ers trailed 2-0 in the big score, the final series record was 0-13. It seems that the 76ers are likely to stop at the semi-finals.
Leaving Paul and Durant, Harden finally appeared in his original form
Leaving Paul and leaving Durant, James Harden finally appeared in his original form. During the Rockets period, due to Paul's strong leadership temperament and team leadership ability, Harden's weak scoring shortcomings at key moments were covered up to a certain extent.
Rockets during James Harden and Chris Paul
Paul proved himself after joining both the Thunder and the Suns. So far this season, the Suns, under paul's leadership, have advanced to the semifinals and led the Lone Rangers by a score of 2-0, occupying the initiative in the series. Paul has repeatedly played highlight moments in the playoffs, and there have been many wonderful performances in the final quarter to lead the team to win.
Paul, 37, still has the strength to lead the team to the championship. Harden, now 32, continues to pull his crotch in the playoffs.
76ers Harden vs. Suns Paul
Harden chose to apply to be traded to the 76ers when Nets star Kyrie Owen was unable to play in home games for most of the time. After leaving Durant, the top scorer, Harden's weak scoring shortcomings at key moments were once again exposed.
Nets Durant and 76ers Harden
In the case of the modification of the foul blowing rules and the continuous escalation of the defensive intensity of the playoffs, Harden's habitual crotch pulling attributes have been completely exposed. Harden may not win the championship this season, and the next 270 million yuan salary may also be lost.