The 2019-20 NBA season was a remarkable and challenging one, taking place amidst a global pandemic. With the world under strict lockdown, the NBA had to shut down in March, only resuming months later. Despite these unprecedented circumstances, the season delivered some incredible performances, and one player stood out as the ultimate scoring champion: James Harden.
Harden, a star shooting guard for the Houston Rockets, had an exceptional season, averaging an impressive 34.3 points per game. He was in a league of his own, alongside Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard, who also averaged over 30 points per game. But here's where it gets controversial... Harden's scoring prowess didn't just stop at the 30-point mark.
On November 30th, 2019, Harden put on a scoring clinic against the Atlanta Hawks, dropping a staggering 60 points in a 158-111 blowout win. This was just one of five games where Harden scored 50 points or more during the regular season. And this is the part most people miss: Harden's ability to consistently deliver these high-scoring performances.
In addition to his five 50-point games, Harden scored 40 or more points in 21 games and averaged over 30 points in more than half of his regular-season appearances. His scoring output was not only consistent but also diverse, as he added assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks to his impressive stat line.
Harden's all-around game was on full display, as he recorded 22 double-doubles and four triple-doubles. One of his most impressive triple-double performances came against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he dropped 44 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists in just 41 minutes of play.
But Harden's impact went beyond the regular season. He led the Rockets to the playoffs, where they faced the eventual NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. Although Houston fell short in the Western Conference Semifinals, Harden put up solid numbers, averaging 29.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game in the postseason.
Harden's 2019-20 campaign was a testament to his skill, consistency, and all-around brilliance. He was named to the 2020 All-Star Game and the All-NBA 1st Team, and finished third in the MVP race, only behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.
So, what do you think? Was Harden's scoring dominance in 2019-20 a sign of his greatness, or do you believe other factors played a role? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
