Harden optimistic about Rockets' title chances: 'This is the year'
James Harden is just loving life right now.
"This is the year. For sure," Harden told ESPN's Shelley Smith on Tuesday about his expectations for the Houston Rockets.
Houston is in possession of the NBA's top record at 47-13, half a game better than the reigning champion Golden State Warriors. Harden and Co. are also in the midst of a 13-game winning streak, which is their second-longest of the season (14 from Nov. 16 through Dec. 18), making the Rockets the 10th team to ever record multiple streaks of at least that length.
Five of the previous nine teams to accomplish that feat went on to capture the title.
The pieces are in place, and the results speak for themselves.
"The front office - (general manager) Daryl Morey and (CEO) Tad Brown - those guys did an unbelievable job," Harden added. "From last year, bringing (Eric Gordon) and (Ryan Anderson) over. Then obviously adding (Chris Paul) and (PJ Tucker) and (Luc Mbah a Moute) and then you get (Gerald Green) and Joe Johnson.
"This is probably the best team I've ever been a part of, from top to bottom. The chemistry that we have, included with the coaching staff - I mean, we're having a lot of fun."
Houston is one of three teams (Warriors, Toronto Raptors) ranking in the top 10 in both offense and defense. They lead the Association in both 3-pointers made (15.5) and attempted (42.5) by a substantial margin, and are converting them at a respectable rate (36.6 percent, 12th).
Furthermore, they own two victories over Golden State, who is undoubtedly its biggest competition en route to a potential Finals berth for the first time since the days of Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon back in 1994-95.
Perhaps this really is Houston's year.