Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

3 things Bulls learned in loss to James Harden and 76ers

By Candice Evans

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball against RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 123-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball against RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 123-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors points to the line that James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets stepped on turning the ball over (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors points to the line that James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets stepped on turning the ball over (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Trap Harden at half court and deny him without helping off

Taking Harden out of the equation is a task that has zero margin for error. The most successful defense on him came in the Warriors-Rockets playoff series a couple years ago. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believed that the other Rockets couldn’t beat his team, even when Houston had Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.

Kerr would have his primary defender and a versatile wing trap Harden as he crossed half court. A weak side defender would cheat up to “play free safety,” picking off the pass out of the trap.

While Harden would try to split the trap and even attack the longer defender, he was forced into turnovers and tantrums each series. Then-Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni would then be forced to have another player bring up the ball, disrupting the flow of the offense.

Both options took away from Harden’s ball-handling rhythm and wore him down throughout each game. The Bulls have the length and physicality to replicate this defense.

Jones Jr. and LaVine are perfect for the trap, while DeRozan is gifted in the passing lane. If the Bulls are able to pull off the Kerr strategy, they will have a shot at neutralizing Harden in way that will doom the 76ers.

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