James Harden & Russell Westbrook Look to Emulate the Things They Couldn’t Achieve in Oklahoma City With the Rockets

In 2011, three young men- James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant– were driving the Oklahoma City Thunder forward. It was the team’s best shot at Championship in years. And they went the distance but for going past Miami Heat in the finals.

The next year Harden moved away from Oklahoma City to the Houston Rockets. Perhaps, a season or two of the golden trio together could have given the franchise a Championship. At least that is what Harden felt.

Talking to GQ magazine along with Westbrook, Harden said: “My third year we lost in the Finals. And we just came off USA Basketball, won a gold medal. It was destined. But shit happens.”

With James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets aim for the NBA title

Since 2012, Harden has played for the Rockets. With Harden, the Rockets have consistently managed to be in and around the play-offs. In the summer of 2019, Westbrook rejoined Harden with a move to Houston. The Rockets now aim to take a step further and become a Championship contender.

“For me and James, it’s about one thing: the championship, Westbrook said in the interview. “Individually we’ve accomplished more than anybody else. I think for us, there’s only going to be one thing that puts us in the conversation [with the greats].”

However, the Rockets still seem to have some shortcomings for a team aiming for the Championship. Their starting lineup lacks a quality big man and the roster lacks the required depth. But Harden remains confident of his team and said that they would be giving everything to win games.

“We haven’t been healthy yet, but we’re confident that once we get healthy and we put it together, it’s going to be pretty tough to beat us. Individually we’ve accomplished so much, broken so many records that are going to last forever. We’re not worried about the individual accomplishments,” Harden said.

“We want to do whatever it takes to win games.”