Houston Rockets: 3 players that have to step up with Chris Paul out

1. James Harden

The weight of the entire team will rest on the potential MVP’s shoulders in Game 6. James Harden has to step up in a big way for the Rockets on Saturday night.

Since Game 1, Harden has struggled from the floor. In Games 2 through 5, the Beard has averaged 24 points on just 36.8 percent shooting from the field and 18.2 percent shooting from 3-point range. James Harden has also missed his last 20 3-point attempts.

In order for the Rockets to have a chance on Saturday night, Harden has to play great. If he shoots 5-for-21 again like he did on Thursday, the Warriors will blow Houston out of the water.

Next: Rockets: P.J. Tucker has defined small ball this postseason

The critics are always quick to bring up Harden’s past postseason blunders. If Harden can will the Rockets to victory in a closeout game in Oracle Arena without Chris Paul, his past mistakes will be forgiven.