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James Harden cites Necessity as the basis of his historic series of goals, pointing out that the Houston Rockets needed him to continue the race that drove him to pursue Wilt Chamberlain.
Harden scored at least 30 points in 31 consecutive games, placing Chamberlain in the second-longest series in NBA history behind the 65-game series played by the center of the Hall of Fame. The Rockets are 21-10 against Harden, despite other Houston stars – guard Chris Paul and center Clint Capela – lacking time due to injuries.
"The score series is obviously amazing, but it's something I had to do because of our situation," Harden said in an interview with Rachel Nichols of ESPN. "We've had all the injuries and guys in and out of the mix and things like that, so I think the show is just starting to happen, and now it's like something to talk about .
"But it's not something I'm really focused on – it's something I have to do to give us a chance to win the game."
Harden is averaging 41.5 points on 27.3 field placement attempts over his series. His burden in the Rockets offense has become heavier than ever with Paul, 33, who has missed 18 games due to a tense thigh and rust lost in eight games since his return. Capela, the main beneficiary of Harden's passing magic, has missed the last 15 games with a right thumb injury and could return Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Harden acknowledged that it was sometimes difficult to disregard criticism regarding his style of play requiring a lot of isolation, especially when it came from old players.
"Yeah, I hear it – it's hard not to hear it – especially nowadays," says Harden to Nichols. "You have social media, you have fans who read what people say and ask me questions …
"I'm doing my best to block [criticism] outside, but it's a bit difficult, you know? Especially when it comes from players like former NBA players, you know? So it makes it more difficult, but of course everybody gets their own opinion. "
Harden recently agreed with Kobe Bryant, when the Lakers legend said: "I do not think this style of basketball will ever win championships", during an appearance on ESPN.
Scottie Pippen, a Hall of Fame member appearing on ESPN's The Jump, recently called Harden's race "not even an attractive basketball" because he dribbles and dominates the ball so much.
His former MVP member, Stephen Curry, while he was wearing a microphone for the NBA TV, revealed during a conversation during Saturday's star training that Harden had categorically stated that He would like to share the ball more.
"It's interesting because I was talking to James in the back, I obviously complimented him on what he did," Curry said while talking with Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks coach. "The first thing he said was:" Yeah, it's fun, but I want to play differently. [than] like playing alone, no matter, hero ball. But as if people wanted him to play like that in a system where they can really play nice basketball with guys who can play. "
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