James Harden has been on a tear as of late, recording high-scoring games one after another for the Houston Rockets.
But while he is turning heads with his offensive explosion, some are complaining about what they perceive as special treatment for Harden. The reigning NBA MVP is scoring a lot from the free-throw line, as he always has, raising questions about the number of calls he has been getting night in and night out.
In their 113-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Harden finished with 43 points, with 21 of those coming from the free-throw line. In their recent victories over the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics, Harden scored 14 points apiece from the foul line. In those three games alone, Harden shot 49-for-58 from the free-throw line.
Harden is aware that some people are getting mad about the number of free throws he is getting. When asked about it, the 29-year-old had a straightforward response, reiterating that it is not his fault:
I just asked James Harden what he says to people who are mad that he gets to the freethrow line so much. He said, dead serious, “Stop fouling. It’s simple”. #Rockets
— Ros Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) January 2, 2019
The nine-year veteran is oozing with confidence as of late, looking unstoppable in offense. He has scored at least 39 points in their last 10 games and has averaged 41.8 points in their last five games. He leads the league in scoring, tallying 33.3 points per game.
His recent performance fueled talks about the possibility of him winning the MVP again this season. When asked about it, the former Arizona State standout admitted that he is gunning for the biggest individual award again, and he is confident of winning it for the second consecutive year.
“I need it,” Harden said of winning the MVP trophy again, per Will Gottlieb of Bleacher Report. “I need it for sure. And I'm getting it.”
James Harden is certainly making a great case.
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