via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 06: James Harden #13 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets talk during the first half against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 6, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 06: James Harden #13 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets talk during the first half against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 6, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The 2019 NBA Off-Season had some of the biggest trades in the past few years. Anthony Davis moved to the Lakers, Paul George got traded to the Clippers and Russell Westbook reunited with James Harden in Houston. This dynamic duo of Westbrook and Harden had started back in Oklahoma. During the hiatus, both have put in a lot of work and it has put the league on notice. Recently NBA legend Dwyane Wade also praised them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kelly Iko from the Athletic tweeted a quote from Wade, which said, “Now, Houston becomes even scarier. With both of these guys, they can run you out the gym.”
“Now, Houston becomes even scarier. With both of these guys, they can run you out the gym.”
—Dwayne Wade on James Harden and Russell Westbrook getting in shape during the lockdown
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) July 8, 2020
James Harden and Russell Westbrook: Hunting for post-season success
Back in May, pictures of an evidently skinnier Harden emerged and it sent fans into a frenzy. He has been targetted previously for his body shape but now he looked determined to make his haters shut up. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins immediately termed the Rockets as title favorites by looking at those pictures.
It looks like James Harden has lost some serious lbs pic.twitter.com/bJLd53lk1P
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 23, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Westbrook, on the other hand, has always been a beast in the gym. So when he decided to notch it up one level, fans took notice of it. Throughout the break, he has been putting in the extra work at the gym.
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite this big move to bring Westbrook to Houston, the Rockets have struggled this season. As of now, they stand sixth in the Western Conference, tied with the Thunder who are fifth. Both Harden and Westbrook will be pumped to get their team to a better position in the upcoming eight games prior to the playoffs.
The Rockets last reached the Conference Finals back in 2017 and were one game away from making it into the NBA Finals. They will be determined to set the record straight and improve from last year.
