Comparing James Harden to Steph Curry without 2-point field goals

Share

Programming note: Watch the pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders Friday night at 6 p.m. PT streaming live on the MyTeams app.

James Harden is averaging 33.7 points per game -- most in the NBA.

Steph Curry is averaging 28.9 points per game -- second most in the NBA.

But what if they never shot 2-point field goals?

In 2015-16, Steph Curry averaged 19.9 points per game on just 3-pointers and free throws -- the most ever, and it helped him win his second MVP.

But as Tom Haberstroh pointed out in this week's "Big Number," both Curry and Harden this season have surpassed what Steph did during his unanimous MVP campaign.

The Warriors point guard is averaging 15 points per game on 3-pointers and five points per game on free throws, for 20 points.

Golden State Warriors

Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Why Steph is Bay Area athlete Chapman wishes he could embody

KD clarifies why he was not interested in Warriors reunion

The Rockets star is averaging 14.4 points per game on 3-pointers and 9.4 points per game on free throws, for 23.8 points, on pace to shatter Curry's 2015-16 mark.

[RELATED: Steph Curry recalls 'probably the most important talk of my entire life']

So yes, without even taking into account 2-pointers, Harden is averaging more points per game than Klay Thompson is total (21.6).

This makes sense, considering Harden shoots 12.4 triples and 11 free throws per contest.

The game has changed, everybody. No one exemplifies that more than James Harden.

Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller

Contact Us