James Harden ‘not worried about MVP,’ excited for season half of season since Rockets will be healthy

Houston Rockets superstar guard James Harden says he’s not focused on winning his second consecutive MVP award and is more excited about the second half of the season because his team is going to be healthier.

Rockets starting center Clint Capela is expected to return to the lineup soon. The big man has been out since Jan. 14 due to torn ligaments in his right thumb.

Chris Paul already returned from his hamstring injury, but the point guard is expected to be more comfortable and explosive after the All-Star break.

James Harden would not get into the MVP debate and himself, George and Antetokounmpo. “I’m not here to compare games. I’m just here to try to win games. Obviously, we all know how great those two guys are playing. There’s a few other guys are playing extremely well.”

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 16, 2019

Harden on the Rockets post All-Star break: “We have to be healthy. We haven’t been healthy all year long. That’s something I’m excited about. We had a lot of injuries, a lot of guys in and out of the lineup. Once we get a full roster, we’re capable to beat anybody.”

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 16, 2019

Harden currently leads the NBA in scoring at 36.6 points per game. The reigning MVP has scored at least 30 points in 31 consecutive games. Harden is also averaging 6.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists.

During this 31-game stretch, Harden is averaging 41.5 points. “The Beard” has put the Rockets on his back. Houston got off to a slow start to the season, but they are now 33-24, good for fifth place in the Western Conference standings.

Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Paul George and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo are also in the MVP discussion with James Harden, but right now, Harden is focused on getting his team a higher seed in the rugged Western Conference.

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