On October 26, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued, and the Nets beat the Wizards back-to-back 104-90. But in this game, although the Nets won, the team's core guard James Harden's feel is still not good, the total of 17 shots in the game is only 5, including 8 of 8 three-pointers, and in terms of free throws, Harden only got 3 free throws, and finally only scored 14 points.
Judging from the situation in this game, Harden's competitive state has still not returned to the best, and the change in the scale of the NBA's blowing rules has exacerbated his problems. This can be seen from a shot of this game.
At 6:06 a.m. before the end of the third quarter, Harden singled out wizards' youngster Avdia from beyond the three-point line, and he used his signature continuous crotch plus retreat steps, followed by a three-point long-range shot, while the opponent directly knocked Harden over because of the excessive pounce, giving him a 3+1 chance. Although this goal showed Harden's personal ability, the Wizards' defenders dared to pounce on Harden while defending him, which has been very rare in past seasons.
In the past season, because Harden is too good at creating fouls, opponents often do not dare to pounce when defending him, and there will even be strange scenes of backhand defense and standing behind Harden's side. However, in the new season, the NBA officially adjusted the blowing penalty for making fouls, and Harden became a typical figure who was caught, and the whistle treatment plummeted, which also led to the opponent daring to make such a fierce defense when defending Harden.
And although the Wizards players were too reckless this time and gave Harden a 3+1 chance, the remaining 7 defensive three-pointers against Harden, the Wizards were successful. Counting this 3+1, Harden only won 3 free throws in the whole game, not to mention shooting outside the three-point line, even if it is difficult to have a whistle under the basket. The inability to adjust by making free throws when the feel is not good is also the biggest problem Harden is currently experiencing.
Judging from the current situation, Harden wants to solve this problem, I am afraid that it will take a period of adaptation. Fortunately, the hand is not good, Harden's organizational ability is still the top in the league, and he gave 9 assists in this game, creating a large number of scoring opportunities for his teammates. And before Harden finds a solution to not getting a free throw, Nash should also let him play to his strengths and avoid weaknesses, and put the work of passing organization first.