James Harden Sends Houston Rockets a Message of Hope Following Loss Against Blazers

The Houston Rockets had their season opener against Oklahoma City Thunder postponed. So technically, the team started their 2021 campaign with an OT loss against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. Following the loss, James Harden sent out an indirect message to his teammates about what was ahead. 

There has been immense drama surrounding James Harden and his future with the Houston Rockets. But ‘The Beard’ is going out and putting up 40 point performances even when he’s rumored to be unsettled with his team. 

Harden went off for 44 points in 14-22 shooting against the Blazers, but the Rockets ended up losing the game through a two-point deficit. However, they posed a major challenge to Portland despite missing out on players like John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.

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James Harden wants his teammates to stay on their toes

Credit where it’s due as Harden never fails to perform even when there’s massive criticism against him. The 3x NBA Scoring Champion always finds a way to get his name on the scoring sheet, and the fact that he always manages to put up incredible numbers is sensational! 

Despite not having regular-starters for support, Harden carried the Rockets on his back and put up 44 points against the Blazers. The 2018 MVP sent out a message to his teammates following the loss, asking them to stay on their toes throughout their season.

“We got a chance, we gotta just get things clicking faster than later. Obviously, we know the West is a very, very strong conference, and from top to bottom everybody feels like they have a chance,” Harden mentioned. 

Harden also said that the team has got to be “prepared for each and every game” and that there was no easy way around. He stands as a shining example for the rest of his teammates as the 31-year-old delivered a career-tying 17 assists against the Blazers. 

It is no secret that things aren’t running smoothly in the Rockets’ camp. There are still speculations surrounding Harden’s possible exit from the franchise, but the shooting guard continues to perform for the team.

It is unclear if James Harden will stay with the Rockets this season. But the eight-time All-Star seems ready to give his 100% till his time with the franchise comes to an end, and that is commendable.