As former leaders and third brothers, both Durant and Harden have had brilliant careers and have been at the forefront of their respective positions for a long time. Even now in the twilight of their careers, Durant and Harden continue to deliver competitive performances and are the core and leaders of their respective teams.
The 35-year-old Harden has experienced a resurgence this season. In the absence of Paul George and with Leonard out for the season, Harden has regained control of the ball and demonstrated the capabilities of a top-tier dual-threat guard in the league. To date, Harden has played 29 games for the Clippers, averaging 33.9 minutes per game, scoring 22 points, grabbing 6.5 rebounds, dishing out 8.1 assists, making 1.5 steals, and blocking 0.6 shots, with a shooting percentage of 38.9%, a three-point percentage of 34.5%, and a free-throw percentage of 89.3%. Although Harden's efficiency is low this season, his influence and contributions to the team are immeasurable.
In terms of statistics, Harden remains among the top guards in the league and is still the core of the Clippers' offensive organization. In the absence of star teammates, Harden has led the Clippers to a commendable record of 17 wins and 13 losses, ranking seventh in the West. With increased playing time and status, Harden's offensive stats have also risen significantly. This season, Harden has scored a total of 639 points with an average of 22 points, making him the second-highest scorer on the team, a significant improvement from last season!
On the other hand, the 36-year-old Durant has once again delivered a performance befitting an NBA superstar. Whether on offense or defense, Durant is the most relied-upon player on this Suns team. To date, Durant has played 19 games for the Suns, averaging 35.7 minutes per game, scoring 27.1 points, grabbing 6.6 rebounds, dishing out 3.9 assists, making 0.8 steals, and blocking 1.2 shots, with a shooting percentage of 51.1%, a three-point percentage of 40.9%, and a free-throw percentage of 84.3%, an excellent performance. Unfortunately, Durant has been plagued by injuries early this season, missing 10 games in the first 29 games of the season.
Despite being hampered by injuries, Durant has still shown his terrifying scoring ability this season, scoring a total of 515 points with an average of 27.1 points, which is quite valuable for a 36-year-old veteran with a serious injury history. Durant's injuries have also greatly reduced the strength of the Suns. They were once at the top of the West when the players were healthy at the beginning of the season, but as Durant was injured, the team's record has steadily declined. So far, the Suns have only managed a record of 15 wins and 14 losses, ranking eighth in the West, in the playoff play-in bracket.
Overall, both the 35-year-old Harden and the 36-year-old Durant have delivered strong performances this season. For Harden, it is rare that he can step up and carry the team when the team's main core is absent for a long time, once again demonstrating the capabilities of a top-tier dual-threat guard. As for Durant, his performance has remained consistently stable. Despite being plagued by injuries, his form has never been in doubt, and he can help the team as soon as he steps onto the court; he is still the most critical player on this Suns team.
Who do you think is the better player this season between Harden and Durant?