We have to see on this. Their legacy is on the line. Trust me these guys want to be great in the eyes of their peers
If CP3 was more reliable in the postseason he wouldnt have made it past the second round before Harden who is younger. Given that Harden had less talent surrounding him.
CP3 in 6 playoff appearances as a Clipper shot near 49% from the field with a 54% efg% which is way above league average in efg% during that era. Harden shoots significantly worse that CP3 and CP3 averages more assists whole averaging WAY LESS turnovers per game. He scored more efficiently and playmakes more efficiently in the playoffs than Harden. He also played significantly played better defense than Harden. Sometimes it comes to bad luck. Who would of thought that Corey Brewer and Josh Smith would kill your team for an entire half.
Or you just use what you want to fit your narrative. Here let me freshen up that memory..... 2008: 3-4 vs. San Antonio in the Second Round 2009: 1-4 vs. Denver in the First Round 2011: 2-4 vs. LA Lakers in the First Round 2012: 0-4 vs. San Antonio in the Second Round 2013: 2-4 vs. Memphis in the First Round 2014: 2-4 vs. Oklahoma City in the Second Round 2015: 3-4 vs. Houston in the Second Round 2016: 2-4 vs. Portland in the First Round 2017: 2-4 vs Utah in the first round
And CP3 performed better than Harden with more efficient offense and far better defense. Sometimes you can play better individually and still lose as a team. A prime example of that is Harden vs the Warriors and Kawhi vs the Warriors last playoffs.
The question is why don’t you give Harden that same credit. CP3 has had more talent surrounding him as well yet never gotten to a CF until he came here.
Because CP3 played as efficient as he did in the regular season with no statistical drop off and played superior defense.
Yet he still lost, so? Coincidentally CP3 had multiple all stars on the Clippers. Look at his 1st round exits you can keep telling yourself CP3 was efficient and played great D but he still couldn’t get it done.
The thing about harden is when he isn't playing well he either will force sh#t or check out. I'm a big Jimmy Butler fan as well as James and I would like to see him adapt a Butler mindset where he's willing to sacrifice and do the little things. Not saying become a lockdown defender but taking more charges, going for lose balls, getting back in transition. Teammates will notice that.
Hell no. scoring title baby. did you see how hard he tried to get the last rebound or assist when he is so closed to the triple D? did you know why the Hawks TV crew was so upset about him in a 40 points blow out loss? james is not going to give up those points.