Durant: Harden not 'cheating the game' https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1759300 Houston Rockets star James Harden is arguably the master of drawing fouls, but the manner in which he does so has drawn scrutiny. Kevin Durant isn't one of those critics, and the Golden State Warriors forward believes Harden is merely outsmarting his opponents rather than playing outside the rules of the game. "I think everybody wants to get into the lane and they use little tricks to try to get their shots off," Durant said Tuesday, per 95.7 The Game. "I don't think he's any different. He may bump guys off going to the rim but everybody does that ... he has a style of play and it might not be what everybody might like to see, but it's been effective and I don't think he's been cheating the game at all." Durant believes more time should be spent appreciating Harden's unique abilities rather than debating if a foul should or shouldn't be called. "Referees aren't going to be perfect all game just like players aren't," Durant said. "I think more so than just the talk of calls and officiating, it should be about how great all of these players are on the court and how they uniquely bring something different to the table." Harden has led the league in free-throw attempts in six of the last seven years. He ranked first during the regular season in free throws made (9.7) and attempted (11) per contest. During the postseason, Harden sits third (7.5) and fifth (8.5) in those categories, respectively.
Durant has always been respectful talking about his competition. Even with Pat Beverley last round. He said Eric Gordon was a “phenomenal player” immediately after game 1 in the postgame interview. It’s the “blog boys” he doesn’t care much for.
Kerr, Draymond, and Curry are the salty ones. They realize Kevin is gone after this year and their winning is over. KD may be a cupcake snake but at least he is keeping it real with this.
Not a surprise, you won’t find KD, Harden or WB criticizing any of each others games, at the end of the day all of those guys are good friends, and despite all the conflict of the NBA with them all being on different teams, playoff series and MVP races, they all have respect for each other.
[QUOTE="BeBreezy, post: 12380742, member: 63961 Harden has led the league in free-throw attempts in six of the last seven years. He ranked first during the regular season in free throws made (9.7) and attempted (11) per contest. During the postseason, Harden sits third (7.5) and fifth (8.5) in those categories, respectively. [/QUOTE] I'd be interested to see who gets MORE FOUL CALLS in the playoffs than the regular season and who sits at #1 and 2 now Rocket River
Durant is in a great frame of mind. He seems like he's playing free and loose. He's found himself and seems confident/secure right now. This is bad news.
Despite him being a massive diva and constantly defending himself for stuff, he's by far my fav. player on the warriors. He is never arrogant. Never taunting opponents like Stephanie. Great player, just too sensitive. I appreciate what he did here. Unfortunately most people won't see it or ignore it.
its all for naught he will never be the player harden is... and the rockets are winning this year just like they have won the last year...
I mean, let's all be nice and stuff and give the benefit of the doubt and such, but, I mean, I meeeeannn this is Kevin "Sweep Through The Arms" Durant. He can't exactly criticize Harden on any sort of topic related to drawing fouls. Also, he may be physically still with the Warriors, but he's so gone mentally already that I kinda like this.
