James ‘The Beard’ Harden has been a phenomenal playoff performer throughout his career. But ever since joining the Houston Rockets, he has been a different beast.

Harden proved his value to the franchise yet again in Game 5 vs the Thunder. Harden registered 31 points and rarely missed any shots. He went 11-15 from the field while 4-8 from the 3 point land. Moreover, Harden had this stat line in just 28 minutes!

This is the first time in eight years that Harden has played less than 30 minutes in a playoff game since becoming a Rockets player. Behind Harden’s exceptional game, the Rockets registered a 34 point W over OKC to gain a 3-2 lead in the series.

Harden has turned up his performances a few notches higher in the absence of Russell Westbrook. Brodie is still on minute restrictions after recovering from a strained right quad. But he can take his time to get back in his groove if Harden keeps up his current form.

James Harden: A big-time playoff performer

The Beard has never missed the NBA postseason in his career. The former MVP is improving with each passing year. This year he is averaging 31.8 points in the playoffs.

Moreover, Harden is always criticized for not being efficient with his scoring. He proved his critics wrong as he is shooting almost 50% from the field in the first-round series.

Before joining the Houston Rockets, James Harden was the third option behind Westbrook and Durant for OKC. Yet he showed signs of being a star. But OKC let him walk out to Houston, which brought a change in Harden’s career.

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If there is one thing missing from Harden’s resume, it is an NBA ring. With Russell Westbrook as his second option, this year might be his best chance, as Rockets have a chance to eliminate the Thunder in Game 6.

However, the road to finals will not be easy for Harden and the Rockets even if they beat OKC. They will have to face either the Lakers or the Blazers in the second round.

As of now, the momentum is definitely in favor of the Rockets, but if Thunder steals Game 6 from them, it will certainly make the series interesting.