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NBA Awards 2015: 5 reasons James Harden should have won MVP

By Luke Dahlgren

Apr 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 115 to 111. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 115 to 111. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) talks with forward Josh Smith (5) and Trevor Ariza (1) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) talks with forward Josh Smith (5) and Trevor Ariza (1) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rockets overall had less consistency and more turnover

The Rockets supporting cast was one of the least stable of the Western Conference contenders during the 2014-15 season. The team had to integrate veteran guard/defensive sieve Jason Terry after giving up Alonzo Gee, while also picking up brick-laying veteran forward Josh Smith, a move that forced the team to get rid of forward Tarik Black.

In Black’s absence (and with the injury to Dwight Howard), Joey Dorsey got more playing time. This is the same Joey Dorsey who owns a 28.9% free throw percentage. Hack-a-Joey sure sounds like assaulting baby kangaroos, but it is the only defense opponents would play on the Rockets when Dorsey was in the lineup. Combined with the inconsistent play of Trevor Ariza down the stretch, James Harden has been forced to act as the centering force for a Rockets all season long that has endured poor stretches, fluid lineups and holes in depth.

Next: Golden State's consistency

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