Fansided

NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 players facing the most pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 13: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets passes the ball away from Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on February 13, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 13: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets passes the ball away from Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on February 13, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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James Harden, Houston Rockets
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 07: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets brings the ball down the court in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on April 7, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

4. James Harden

There is a nasty taste left in James Harden’s mouth, that has taken a year to get out.

Harden finished last year’s playoffs with an abysmal 10-point, 2-for-11 performance in Game 6 of the second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs. That game consumed an otherwise strong playoff showing — 28.5 points and 8.5 assists per game.

Harden has typically been good in the playoffs. He has stepped up to the plate. But those big absences still haunt him and his reputation. Everyone will still talk about his no-show in the 2012 Finals and that specter hung over him at the end of last season’s playoffs.

The Rockets have the top seed in the Western Conference. They upped the ante in acquiring Chris Paul this summer and seem to be the only team that can stand toe to toe with the Golden State Warriors juggernaut. The team is not going to break apart if they are unable to climb over that hill this year. But there is still undoubted pressure. Harden has to produce and get his team to that door. And then eventually through.

There is no time to disappear now. Harden is the likely MVP. That award will get validated only by taking his team to the NBA Finals, and possibly winning the whole championship.

Harden has reached a level where his legacy is determined solely on championships. He has been to the conference finals once with his team. Last year, he struggled to get his team over the finish line in an elimination game at home.

This season is about redemption… and maybe a bit more.

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