There is still times Harden plays defense like he is at the rec league, but overall he has shown more awareness on the court, doesn’t reach as much and just in general has shown a commitment to try harder on the defensive end.
It wasn’t that people didn’t think he could play defense, they were questioning his effort on defense. He was lazy before and still have times where he is lazy, but it appears he has gotten the message that for the Rockets to be a true title contender, he has to be a leader on both sides of the court. Tonight is a good example of that as he shot horrible (10-31), but contributed 8 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and two blocks.
Here is he is sealing the win for Rockets with a steal (showing awareness) and the dunk.
Harden with the steal and the slam that put the game away.
Une vidéo publiée par Houston Rockets (@houstonrockets) le