“We are Struggling as a Unit” : James Harden despite Victory against Mavericks

Houston Rockets beat Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday 116-112 as the Rockets continue to settle into the James Harden – Russell Westbrook era.

The Rockets did not look at their best in the first half, but found their way in the third quarter.

When asked what the message at the break was, “Energy,” said Harden talking to At&T Network after the game.

“If we press guys and be physical with them, we have a lot of chance to win (against) them. Offense is not what I am worried about. Obviously, we are struggling as a unit right now, but it’s a long season and it is a part of the long NBA season.”

He said that defense was their main priority and that offense would take care of itself if they were good at defense.

The duo of Westbrook and Harden was one of the most talked one’s since the former arrived at Houston. This game also held some personal significance for Westbrook as he was facing his former team, and there was some hype generated over it before the game.

When asked about the new MVP in their team, Harden said, “We bring a different dynamic to the game. When we are more in the court together, it’s obviously dangerous, but we switch roles and he does a great job.

“We got to continue to do better and that would be good.”

Westbrook almost added a 140th triple-double, facing his old teammates. Only in the last game against Pelicans, Westbrook surpassed Magic Johnson’s tally of 138 triple doubles to become second in the list of most triple doubles in NBA history.

Westbrook finished the game with 21 points, nine assists and 12 rebounds, while Harden registered 40 points, seven assists, three rebounds.