James Harden

  Many people have heard of James Harden, and seen his beard.  The common saying is "Fear the beard."  When Harden was traded from the Thunder to the Rockets, everyone thought it was a mistake.  The Rockets had also brought in Jeremy Lin from the New York Knicks.  Oklahoma City received Kevin Martin, a player who has improved his game greatly.  Most people thought Jeremy Lin would steal the spotlight in Houston, and Harden would be scoring when Lin was resting.  It has tuned out to be the complete opposite; James Harden is scoring many points and Jeremy Lin has been the side show.  I think James Harden is much better basketball player and leader.  My reasoning is that James Harden was around star players who found many paths to the basket.  Jeremy Lin only had the spotlight on him when star players for the Knicks were injured.  Also, Harden has been able to stay healthy and uninjured, keeping his confidence up.  However, Jeremy Lin banged up his knee last year and was out for the rest of the season.  A player usually can't scare an opposing player while sitting down on the bench.  James Harden scores consistently and doesn't show off very often; he barely ever shows off.  Jeremy Lin doesn't have consistent numbers in the points category.  He only averages 12.7 points per game.  I think James Harden is a better player for the Rockets.  He can score, dribble, and get the rest of the team involved when he is in a shooting slump.  Jeremy Lin is a better facilitator, because he uses his speed to get to the basket and dishes the ball off.  I think James Harden should receive more credit.  Soon, when the season is ending it's near, I think James Harden should be included in the MVP Award race.

By Ameen I.

Pacers vs. Rockets

Last Night the Houston Rockets faced the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers would come into this game with a record of 24-16 and the Rockets would barely be above .500 with 20-19.

The Pacers would be all offense in this game. With Paul George getting 31 points leading all scorers and 6 boards. The Pacer's 6 foot 9 power forward David West would have a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The only player who had more rebounds this game was the Rocket's Omer Asik who had 12 boards and 22 points leading the Rockets. I think that if Jeremy Lin played better than getting only 10 points and 3 assists then the Rockets might have won the game. Carlos Delfino would come off the bench and tie for the second most points on the Rockets team. He would end the game with 17 points and Harden would finish with the same and 7 assists. The final would be 105 to 95 Pacers on top of the Rockets.

               By David B.

Clippers vs. Rockets

Tonight the Los Angeles Clippers are going to play the Houston Rockets.  The Clippers are led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Caron Butler.  Blake and Chris seem to have this connection when it comes to passing, Lob City.  Caron Butler has stepped up big for the Clippers in clutch moments.  Chris Paul has dished off to so many Clippers, with 9.6 assists per game and 16.8 points per game..  A major improvement of the Clippers is their center, DeAndre Jordan.  Jordan averages 9.3 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game.  That may not sound impressive, but Chris and Caron can shoot and pass.  Many of the points and rebounds go to Blake Griffin.  Griffin has an average of 17.7 points per a game and 8.6 rebounds per game.  This year it looks like the Clippers are going to be the big Los Angeles team, not the Lakers.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have had some big additions.  The added Jeremy Lin, or Linsanity, to their team in the offseason.  In the early part of the season they also added James Harden from the Thunder.  Yao Ming used to be on the Rockets until an injury ended his career.  Linsanity averages 12.1 points a game to go along with 6.3 assists a game.  James Harden has also earned his fame.  His beard is very famous and people say " Fear The Beard."  Maybe his beard helps him play better.  Harden averages 26.5 points per game.  The Rockets  have a good chance of making the playoffs this year if they play at this rate.

 By Ameen I.