Why Harden threw Game 6
A magician who has scored 50+ points in two separate games, register 22 triple-doubles, and became the first player in NBA history to accumulate 2,000 points, 900 assists, and 600 rebounds in a single regular season perhaps executed his most stunning act on May 11th at the Toyota Center to perfection.
Known for his offensive expertise, James Harden had undoubtedly one of his poorest performances in his career thus far against the San Antonio Spurs, tallying only 10 points while shooting an egregious .182% from the field. It was a terrible stat line compared to what numbers we normally see Harden put up however, this performance guaranteed one thing and the only thing that Harden truly cares for. The NBA's Most Valuable Player Award.
So how exactly did James Harden secure the NBA's MVP award? Its simple, actually. A verbal agreement over the phone between the NBA's high position division and Rob Pelinka, Harden's agent, made the deal possible. To summarize, the agreement mainly requested of two key points; 1. Harden would have to foul-out of the game and 2. Harden would have to achieve a plus-minus that satisfies the equation -20>x. When Pelinka asked Harden whether or not he would comply to the arrangement, Harden's exact words, according to his agent, were,"You'll see whether or not I agree by my playing." And boy did he ever show us.
So why did the NBA's high order want James Harden to throw Game 6? Well, that part is also simple. Three crucial factors were of the main point; 1. The Warriors-Spurs matchup would generate much more views considering they were the top 2 teams during the regular season 2. The NBA executives wanted immense competition in the Western Conference finals because, they predicted that the Eastern Conference finals would disappoint fans 3. The NBA wanted the Western Conference winners (preferably the Warriors) and Cavs to have equal days of rest going into the finals. They anticipated that the Western Conference finals would end in 6 games on May 26th while, the Eastern Conference finals would end in 5 games on May 25th. If the Rockets would have won Game 6, the Western Conference winners would have gotten less rest overall going into the finals, according to their envisions.
I don't know too much information on James Harden's part besides the fact that, he really wanted the MVP award. One assumption can be made that he clearly thought his team was no match for the Warriors and that this offer was too good to pass up on, another can be that he wants to conclude what has been a stellar season on his behalf or he feels like he won't have as good as a shot to be in the running again with Westbrook, Anthony Davis and Lebron still in the league. Whatever the reason is, one thing is for sure. James Harden is your 2016-17' Kia NBA MVP.
You don't have to believe anything I say in fact, I most likely would not if I were in your shoes. You don't have to believe me when I say I am CURRENTLY an employee of the NBA however, my identification and/or further information about myself and my position at the NBA will remain anonymous, so do not bother asking. I'm writing this article because, I feel it is my civil obligation as a NBA employee and FAN, to expose the league for its injustice scandals. Come June 26th, you can judge my credentials by the end of the night.
-PeeperZ
