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They are more efficient jump shooters and can get off their shots in a more variety of ways.
For Durant specifically, it's hard to contest his shot because he's so tall.
For Steph specifically, it's hard to contest his shot because of the conditioning needed to guard him, (not a sprinter but a marathon runner), and how far out you have to defend him.
2 shooters vs 2 drivers
Westbrook relied a lot on his athleticism and was never the best jump shooter (with exception to that pull-up middy that he now tends to back rim)
Like AI, Harden’s affinity for partying it up has aged him/ affected his conditioning, especially after the hammy in 2021
I mean this is pretty simple… 2 of them are all time shooters and 2 of them rely on getting to the basket
James Harden is still good.
You have literally no proof that he's significantly regressed.
He's regressed significantly with his percentages in the paint.
Part of the reason the Celtics were able to get back into that series vs. the 76ers is that the C's would often leave the lane wide open for Harden to drive, electing instead to make sure Embiid was covered on his mid range jumper.
Harden could no punish them for it.
If you watched Harden in Houston, there's no way you'd be saying this.
Let’s be real he cant blow by people anymore. He practically used to teleport past guys in Houston. Now we’re watching his performances basically be at the mercy of wether his jumper is on or not.
He's a lot better af basketball
For one of them, at least.
An affinity for strip clubs and nightlife.
Russ has had recurring knee issues for years and his jumpshot takes a lot of leg. Harden's role changed so it's harder to tell how much he's actually fallen off, but he just isn't the shooter KD and Curry are. Those two have cheat codes to staying effective
curry and durant can shoot. Also, curry has been injured a bunch as well. But both him and durant can create their own shots without needed to draw fouls or rely on athleticism and speed to blow past defenders.
Harden can shoot, but he relied so much on getting those foul calls that dried up. ANd his conditioning has gone out the window. He also had major injuries.
Westbrook was never the greatest shooter, and his game relied so much on jumping and running which he did so well, and still does pretty good. But very few athletic oriented point guards age well.
Also curry and durant have had it set up where they arent always relied on day in and day out to put their body on the line 100% of the time. Both harden and westbrook did just that. Westbrook gives his all every time he is on the court. He single handedly carried a terrible thunder team and a poor wizards team to the playoffs. That will take its toll (unless your name is lebron james apparently)
Westbrook’s athleticism is declining and he can’t shoot, Durant’s athleticism is declining but it’s peak was nowhere near Westbrook’s and he can shoot. Curry is a historically great shooter with insane cardio, Harden is a foul baiter with a gut
Durant and curry area anomolies, harden and Westbrook have actually had a normal decline given their position and skills. Even harden had faired well he may not be the same Boston guy but he’s still an elite player. Many guards are washed up by 33 they become to much of a liability on defense and can’t score like they used too.
Styles and strippers
Harden often looks out of form.
Doubt he has a sixpack many months a year if any
The first is Durant and Curry are easily the best shooters. But more than that they can score in a variety of ways and do it all on offense, on and off ball. Probably the biggest thing is they both know how to move off ball to get themselves in a better position to score when they get the ball. Harden and Westbrook are almost exclusively on ball players so when they lost a step and aren't able to get by their guys they don't have anything else to turn to and all they can do is spam the PnR.