Fansided

5 reasons why the Houston Rockets are unstoppable in the West

By FanSided Staff

Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets onward Josh Smith (5) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets onward Josh Smith (5) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

1. James Harden can’t be guarded

James Harden is undoubtedly one of the best scorers in the NBA. With his hesitation step and pull back move consistently fooling defenders, as long as he can knock down his jumper, he will continue to put up incredible numbers on the offensive side of the stat sheet.

Besides being in the running for MVP this year, he is also off to a hot start in the playoffs. He is averaging 30.0 points per game through the first three games of the postseason. In Game 3 he scored 42 points, which is the most so far in the playoffs by any single player.

These stats give a glimpse at what Harden can actually do on the offensive side of the ball. His superior athleticism and lights out shooting ability make him virtually un-guardable. He is one of those types of players where you can’t put a smaller, yet quicker defender on him because he will shoot over them. If you put a forward on him, he will blow by them and get to the basket.

Trying to contain Harden has been a question every NBA coach has tried to answer since he joined the NBA. No one has had any success so far. If Harden keeps up what he is doing there is no reason why he can’t lead the Rockets past their Western conference foes.

Next: 2. Dwight Howard is back

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