On the surface, it may seem like James Harden had a better game tonight than Ben McLemore. After all 34 points is, following the arcane precepts of mathematics, more than 27. Similarly, 6 rebounds is more than 2, 4 assists is more than 0, 3 steals is more than 1, and 1 block is more than 0. You can try to debate those numbers if you wish, but I, a foremost practioner of the mathematical arts, will be able to defeat you soundly in any such debate.
However, deeper analysis of the situation, an analysis which I am also uniquely qualified to undertake, reveals that it was not Harden who had the better game, but McLemore. If you wish to be enlightened, continue reading. If you want to continue living a shadowed life in the mind-snaring fog of ignorance, turn back at once.
-McLemore made more shots than Harden. Straight up.
-McLemore missed fewer shots than Harden. Again, straight up.
-Harden needed 18 free throw attempts to get all the way to 34, while McLemore only got 2, and he didn’t need either of them to have an efficient scoring night.
-While watching this game, real NBA fans weren’t dismayed at the sight of McLemore getting hecka buckets. This is because McLemore’s buckets came within the flow of the offense and were of an aesthetically pleasing variety. This cannot be said of how they reacted while watching Harden flop around and brick tons of shots. Personally, I witnessed several real NBA fans puking their guts out while Harden chucked up another horrible clanker from three.
-Rockets fans were able to earnestly cheer for McLemore as he dominated the Suns, because he is performing way above expectations and they truly want to see him do well. Compare that to how they cheered for Harden. You can tell that they cheer only because they feel they are compelled to by his status as a “superstar”.
-McLemore is the real superstar of the Rockets right now. No more explanation is needed, nor will it be given.
-McLemore played this game with a sense of integrity befitting a superstar. Harden, on the other hand, has literally no shame about trying to game the refs in the most blatant ways possible. His entire game is based on trickery and deceit.
Do not be blinded by the media narrative of Harden being an indespensible part of the Rockets’ success, that he is the best scorers in the league. Open your eyes, create narratives for yourself or, better yet, get your narratives in easy-to-digest chunks from sources you know personally (that would be me).