NBA Playoffs: Rockets Star James Harden Opens Up on Facing Former Teammate Chris Paul
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James Harden and Chris Paul parted ways after a second-round exit in the 2019 playoffs. The Oklahoma City Thunder took advantage of the situation and acquired CP3 while sending Westbrook to the Houston Rockets. Many sports pundits predicted it was a bad decision for Thunder to let go of their franchise player for 34-year-old Chris Paul.
To everyone’s surprise, OKC overcame all adversity and made the playoffs with a record of 44-28. That was enough for them to clinch the fifth seed, right below the Houston Rockets. Even before the season began, the Thunder were given a mere 0.2% chance to make the playoffs. But the Paul led OKC with a bunch of young stars in Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Dennis Schroder to surprise everyone.
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James Harden feels confident about Houston’s chances in Playoffs
There were many reports suggesting friction between CP3 and Harden during the 2019 playoffs. Fans expected there to be some bad blood between the two stars, but Harden has denied all rumors.
During Monday’s practice, Harden was asked about his thoughts on facing Paul in the upcoming match. To which he replied,” I don’t ever take anything personal. I’m trying to win games and a playoff series.”
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Harden says he's not thinking about the storyline of him vs. Chris Paul. "I don't ever take anything personal. I'm trying to win games and a playoff series."
Adds that his focus is on leading the #Rockets, especially with Russell Westbrook out to start the series.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) August 17, 2020
“Our swagger is the most important thing. If we’re playing with confidence and pace, the sky is the limit for us.” added Harden.
Harden, who clinched his third scoring title this season, seems confident in himself and the Rockets. If he continues his Bubble form, then the Thunder might have a run for their money. But on the bright side for OKC, Russell Westbrook is most likely out for the first two games with a strained right quad.
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P. J. Tucker, who is a close friend of Chris Paul, also gave his thoughts on facing his former teammate:
“I think it’ll be fun. Knowing him, he wants this bad. I know he wants this bad. It’s going to be an interesting series, It’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to it for sure.”
#Rockets P.J. Tucker on playing against longtime friend & former teammate Chris Paul: "I think it'll be fun. Knowing him, he wants this bad. I know he wants this bad. It's going to be an interesting series, It's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to it for sure." #NBAPlayoffs
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) August 17, 2020
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Game 1 of the series is almost upon us. If there is any certainty about anything, it’s that this series will be a joy to watch for NBA fans all around the globe.
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