Western Conf. Finals - Game 3: Houston Rockets 85-126 Golden State Warriors - 5 Talking Points

#2 James Harden's bizarre trend continues

James Harden

If you just consider the Game 1's of these playoffs, James Harden would be in the midst of a mythical playoff run. The Beard has averaged 42 points on 54% shooting in the three Game 1s in this postseason but inexplicably goes into a shell after that. He's averaged just 24 a game on less than 50% shooting in the rest of the games and that trend continued in Game 3.

Harden finished with 20 Points on 7/16 shooting and like his backcourt mate was a virtual no-show in the 1st half. They both combined to shoot 4/15 from the field, 1/6 from 3 and had just 14 points at the half. Paul at least gets somewhat of a pass considering his injury concerns but Harden does not.

The only saving grace was that he at least had 9 assists, but add in the 4 turnovers and it's a so and so performance overall. Houston definitely needs Game 1 Harden to show up in Game 4 or else they will be done for good.