NBA Playoffs 2020: 5 reasons the Houston Rockets can win it all

1. James Harden can take over any game

Not every NBA fan is a fan of Harden’s style of play, but there is no arguing his ability to dominate games with the ball in his hands. That gives the Rockets a chance to win any game they play.

The key for Houston will be to make sure they don’t put too much pressure onto Harden too early in the playoffs. It’s best if they allow him to conserve his energy for the fourth quarter of high leverage games. Asking him to carry the team for 12 minutes in the first quarter is a great way to run him down before the game really becomes meaningful.

It’s important to note that Harden doesn’t necessarily need to score to dominate a playoff game. It’s easy to envision a scenario where a team tries to trap him high up the floor to get the ball out of his hands. The Rockets have the supporting cast to skewer that kind of defensive strategy. Harden can also dominate the opposition by moving the ball before double teams have the ability to slow the team’s offense down.

Harden is going to be a nightmare for opposing defenders in the playoffs. His ability to score effectively against multiple defensive schemes makes him a unique offensive weapon. He’s a guy who can get really hot and carry Houston to a win against any opponent. Not many teams in the NBA boast a scorer with his ceiling.