Golden State Warriors: 3 Things to watch versus Brooklyn Nets

James Harden’s struggles

The league, in general, has been struggling to score the ball this season. Whether it be the new ball or adjusted rules, few stars have been seen their game change as drastically as James Harden.

Long criticized for being a ref-baiter, Harden’s numbers are down significantly this season. Once a 30+ point per game scorer, Harden is averaging only 19.5 points. This is the lowest scoring rate of his career since being traded from Oklahoma City.

In fairness, Harden is playing a different role than he did in Houston. Previously, he had free reign to shoot the ball every possession if he wanted to. Now, he shares the court with perhaps the most effective and efficient scorer of all time in Kevin Durant.

Harden is shooting just 42.6 percent from the floor, the second-lowest of his career. Surprisingly, his 3-point efficiency has risen to 39.3, which would be a career-high. It should be noted that this is the fewest average 3-point attempts for Harden since the 2014-15 season.

The 2018 MVP had a 39 point eruption over the New Orleans Pelicans two games ago and could be ready to wreak havoc on the league if the law of averages means anything. The Dubs will have to contain Harden and keep him in this cold spell on Tuesday night.