Between 2017 and 2019, James Harden emerged as an almost unstoppable offensive force in the NBA, especially as a prime scorer for the Houston Rockets. During this period, Harden not only clinched the 2018 MVP award but also routinely scored 40 points or more in games with remarkable ease. Donatas Motiejunas, who played alongside Harden in Houston, recently shared insights into why Harden was so dominant during those peak years.
Unparalleled Scoring Ability and Defensive Challenges
Teams desperate to contain Harden struggled as he mastered a combination of agility and control, particularly with his deadly step-back three-pointers. Motiejunas explained that opposing coaches preferred Harden to attack the rim rather than shoot contested threes, largely because Harden’s skill in drawing fouls made him nearly impossible to stop. His ability to get to the free-throw line was phenomenal, with an average of 10.1 free throw attempts per game.
You know, obviously, James Harden, he’s one of the best isolation players in the world, phenomenal moves. At his prime, he was shooting, I don’t know, 18-20 free throws a game, because no one could figure out how he was playing basketball, you know?
— Donatas Motiejunas, Former Houston Rockets Forward
Strategic Defensive Efforts Against Harden’s Offense
Motiejunas recalled the unusual defensive tactics deployed against Harden, such as Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio guarding him from behind to disrupt Harden’s rhythm and prevent him from getting his signature step-back shot. The aim for defenders was to force Harden to drive instead of settling for a lethal three-pointer, hoping physical contact in the paint would discourage him.
We can see how Minnesota, Ricky Rubio, was playing defense against him, you know, trying to force him to penetrate, because his shot was so lethal, you know?
— Donatas Motiejunas, Former Houston Rockets Forward
Despite these efforts, Harden’s precision and scoring finesse often rendered defenses ineffective, as he consistently found ways to score — whether drawing contact or creating his own shot.
Motiejunas’ High Regard for Harden’s Scoring Prowess
Motiejunas praised Harden’s pure scoring talent, acknowledging him as one of the most skilled offensive players he had ever experienced. This admiration reflects the widespread recognition within the NBA during Harden’s peak years, where many considered him nearly unmatched in scoring ability.
One of the most pure scorers.
— Donatas Motiejunas, Former Houston Rockets Forward
The Lasting Impact of Harden’s Prime Scoring Era
James Harden’s remarkable prime scoring years left a significant mark on NBA offensive play, forcing teams and coaches to rethink defensive strategies against elite scorers. His combination of isolation skills, ability to draw fouls, and deadly shooting created a blueprint that influences how top scorers are guarded today. As Harden continues his career, the legacy of his unstoppable prime scoring era remains a benchmark for excellence in the league.