Houston Rockets: James Harden’s impressive roll will likely come to a stop

Houston Rockets phenom James Harden’s impressive offensive roll will likely come to a stop with the latest news of Chris Paul’s return. Why? Let’s look.

The Houston Rockets have gone 4-4 over the past eight games while James Harden has gone on the most impressive offensive streak seen in quite some time.  This man is getting compared to the likes Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and those guys knew a thing or two about the game of basketball.

With what we thought were devastating injuries to Chris Paul and Clint Capela, the Houston Rockets have been able to stay afloat because of the likes of Harden’s impressive pursuit that will certainly give him a lock of attaining the votes needed to win the NBA MVP Award back-to-back.

It’s actually inspiring Harden to watch the high level of play he’s emanating right now but I’m concerned for his health as if this team is going to make a strong playoff push, they’ll need him at his best and feeling his best as well.

Through the past five games, Harden has averaged 52.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.6 steals and about one block per game.  He’s also nailed 30-of-86 — yes, 86 — three-pointers, for a 34.9 percent clip in that stretch.

Goodness gracious.

Alykhan Bijani of The Athletic — as I’m sure you know as @Rockets_Insider on Twitter — indicated that Harden has scored 261 points in that stretch with none of them being assisted which, regardless of how you feel about ball movement, that’s not something that’s easy to do and it should be highlighted.

But with the latest news of CP3 returning back to the hardwood this Sunday, a home game

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against the Orlando Magic, I honestly think that this indescribable — and unthinkable streak of excellence — will come to an end.

CP3 is the team’s offensive catalyst — as well as the $160 million man — and it was never the Houston Rockets intention to have Harden’s usage rate spiral out of control.

Although there has not been any indication that CP3 will be on a minutes-restriction, I think we’ll begin to see a sense of normalcy with the offense.  It’s going to take a bit for Paul to get his game legs under him; but, unless the situation is dire, there will be no need to have Harden do so much.

We’ll have to see how things pan out but regardless of how the rest of the team has seemed to clear the path for Harden, this has been interesting to watch.

I certainly hope the Houston Rockets will continue their tear with CP3 back on board as they’ve won an awesome 16 out of their last 22 games.