The concept of stopping a great scorer like James Harden is substantially easier than the reality.
Schemes are great. But execution and getting everyone on the same page are the real keys in containing his production.
Step 1: Take Away the Three
The first thing you have to do with Harden—and it’s exactly what the Dallas Mavericks are doing—is try to make him a two-point shooter. Have him take contested two-point shots. He can knock down threes, and he’s so creative getting to the basket and to the free-throw line, so the first priority is making him attempt as many tough twos as possible.