Harden credits 'aggressive' mindset for increased free-throw rate vs. Pacers
James Harden looked like himself in the Brooklyn Nets' 105-98 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
The nine-time All-Star went 16-for-19 from the charity stripe and credited an assertive mindset for his season-best 29-point performance.
"It was just me being aggressive," Harden said postgame, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "The first couple of games, I wasn't aggressive. I was aggressive in spurts, but just trying to be aggressive for four quarters.
"I had that burst, that speed of getting to my spots, whether I was getting to the basket or shooting my shots. I felt pretty good out there for an entire game."
Harden's reduced free-throw rate has been a major talking point early in the 2021-22 campaign. He entered this season averaging nearly nine free-throw attempts per game but shot only 15 total through his first five contests.
The former MVP's scoring and efficiency have also dropped from previous years. Harden recently admitted he's still working himself back into game shape after spending the summer rehabbing a hamstring injury sustained last season.
"I keep saying it - every single game, I feel good, I feel better today, I continue to work on off days and non-game days, and on game days continue to get to the basket and shoot my shots," Harden said.
"Nothing's gonna change. Eventually, things are gonna happen where it's consistent and I'm out there playing (like) myself."