In some cases, Game 6’s can be better than Game 7’s. We see it with baseball and basketball more so than hockey. There are multiple examples of amazing Game 6’s then have some sort of ‘meh’ Game 7. After San Antonio Spurs-Houston Rockets classic in Game 5, we all expected the same in Game 6. A dent got put in that thought when Spurs ruled out Kawhi Leonard with an ankle injury. It appeared this would go to seven yet that didn’t happen. James Harden and Rockets looked like absolute garbage at home leading to 114-75 loss in one of the more embarrassing losses in recent memory.

You try to not get into the ‘hot take’ nature of things, but this is a career-defining game for Harden. People are going to talk about this before they reflect on his defense. You’re one of the best fucking players in the league, and you put out a performance like this? Are you kidding me? Harden scored 10 points going 2-of-11 from the field, 2-for-9 from three with six turnovers and fouling out of the game. It’s a pathetic performance.

We shouldn’t discredit Spurs and what they did. They ran one of the best teams in the league off the floor without two of their starters. That’s incredible. Johnaton Simmons did a great job on Harden, and LaMarcus Aldridge turned around his Game 5 gaffe to finish with 34 points with 12 rebounds. Aldridge doesn’t really have a legacy, but this is a major moment for him in his career.

Spurs-Warriors should be fantastic. I really think it’s going to be a good series. Maybe, I’m naive and want to see a great series in the Western Conference.

Charlie.