The Rise of James Harden
From his early days in the NBA, James Harden has established himself as one of the most dominant scorers in the league. His offensive prowess and ability to take over games have made him a force to be reckoned with. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Harden’s game lies in his isolation plays, commonly referred to as ‘iso’. Let’s delve into the mesmerizing world of James Harden’s iso stats.
The Art of Isolation
Isolation plays in basketball involve a player taking on a defender one-on-one without any immediate help from teammates. It requires exceptional skill, basketball IQ, and the confidence to go toe-to-toe with the best defenders in the league. James Harden, without a doubt, possesses all of these qualities.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
When it comes to iso plays, James Harden’s numbers are nothing short of mind-boggling. In the 2018-2019 season, he led the league in iso possessions, averaging a staggering 14.1 per game. To put this into perspective, the player with the second-highest number of iso possessions averaged just 7.7 per game.
Furthermore, Harden’s scoring efficiency in isolation situations is off the charts. He averaged 1.14 points per possession on isos, a figure that is simply remarkable. This means that every time he went one-on-one, the Houston Rockets could expect over a point on the scoreboard.
Mastering the Step-Back
One move that has become synonymous with James Harden is his lethal step-back three-pointer. This move has become his trademark and has left defenders scratching their heads. In the 2018-2019 season, Harden attempted a whopping 13.3 step-back threes per game, converting them at an impressive rate of 36.8%. This adds another layer of complexity to his iso game, making him virtually unstoppable.
Breaking Records
James Harden’s iso dominance has not only made him a nightmare for defenders but has also etched his name in the record books. In the 2018-2019 season, he broke the record for the most points scored in a single season on isolation plays, surpassing legends like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
Additionally, Harden’s scoring ability in iso situations has propelled him to multiple scoring titles, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest offensive players of his generation.
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The Impact on the Game
James Harden’s iso-centric style of play has had a significant impact on the way the game is played today. His ability to create shots for himself and draw fouls has forced defenses to adjust their strategies, leading to a rise in defensive schemes specifically designed to counter his iso game.
Moreover, his success in isolation situations has inspired a new generation of players to develop their one-on-one skills and explore the art of iso.
The Legacy Continues
As James Harden continues to dazzle fans with his incredible iso stats, it is clear that his impact on the game will be felt for years to come. His ability to dominate in isolation plays and break records has cemented his place among the greats of the game.
So, the next time you witness James Harden taking control of a game with his mesmerizing iso moves, take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of his skills and the lasting legacy he is leaving behind.
