James Harden has a playoff problem

The Warriors blew out the Rockets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals to re-take the series lead. Rockets star and MVP favorite James Harden put up another less than stellar performance in a crucial playoff spot. Harden was criticized for all but giving up in last year’s playoffs when the chips were down, and last night he appeared to throw in the towel again.

Colin thinks Harden is a ridiculously talented offensive player, but it’s hard to ignore the evidence that says he shrinks in the playoffs. Colin thinks Harden’s playoff struggles are similar to Russell Westbrook, in that they are both ball dominating iso players who can’t get it done playing that style in the postseason.

LeBron will check out on the Cavs with a Game 4 loss

The Cavs will attempt to even their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Celtics at two games a piece tonight in Cleveland, but Colin thinks the second LeBron James era in Cleveland could unofficially come to a close with a loss and a 3-1 series deficit.

James was accused of emotionally checking out against the Celtics in 2010, despite putting up monster stat lines. He hadn’t officially made his ‘Decision’ at that point, but when he saw that his Cavs couldn’t overcome the Celtics Big 3, he wasn’t fully engaged. Colin believes that James is still all in for this Cavs team, but if they lose tonight and trail the series 3-1, he’ll mentally and emotionally check out from Cleveland for good and start plotting his next move.

Also:

– Colin’s Top 10 NBA Players

Guests:

Eddie House – FS1 NBA Analyst is in-studio talking NBA Conference Finals; and why he would take Westbrook over Harden.

Caron Butler – 14-year NBA Veteran is in-studio talking Warriors domination, and why he likes the Cavs in Game 3.

Jason McIntyre – Founder of The Big Lead is in-studio on why KD is the best player in the NBA, and why he disagrees with Colin on Westbrook.