2 reasons the Golden State Warriors won in the James Harden trade

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 04: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a foul by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Warriors takeaways from James Harden trade: East gets stronger

Despite not making the Finals in the last few seasons, the Houston Rockets have been a formidable foe. With James Harden not on their team, they won’t be, opening up another spot not only for a playoff team but for a contender.

Harden, averaging over 30 points per game for the last three consecutive seasons, makes any team an immediate title threat. While he’s yet to get them there, the teams are clearly good enough.

If just a few shots when their way in 2019, the Rockets were on their way to the Western Conference Finals. Some of the Harden-led teams were that good. This team, although they had John Wall, didn’t have that elite second option.

The Warriors now do not have to worry about Harden in the postseason; that’s a positive. This could also come back to bite them if they get into a position where they play them in the Finals, but they’ll need to get through both the teams in Los Angeles first.

The Rockets have made the postseason eight straight seasons, and they’ve lost in the second round or conference finals in the last four. They were elite, and without Harden, they aren’t. That’s a win for Golden State.

Home/Warriors News