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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