The dynamic pairing of James Harden and Chris Paul has ushered in a new era for the Houston Rockets — a transformation rooted in elite execution during crunch time. According to ESPN stats, in the 31 minutes of clutch-time basketball where both Harden and Paul are on the floor, the Rockets have outscored opponents by a staggering 108–59 margin. Fans tracking the Rockets’ surge on Cricket Exchange have witnessed firsthand how the “Harden-Paul” combo has become one of the most lethal duos in the league when it matters most.
Chris Paul has long been known for his poise in the clutch, dating back to his days with the Hornets and Clippers. Since teaming up with Harden, his late-game numbers have soared — shooting 7-of-8, tallying 30 points and 7 assists with only 2 turnovers in key situations. “It sometimes takes two or three years to figure out how to win close games,” said coach Mike D’Antoni. “But these guys want it now. They’re constantly talking about how to execute better, how to defend better. And now, they’ve figured it out — who should take the shot, who’s hot at the right time.”
The numbers don’t lie. The Rockets are scoring at an outrageous rate of 161.7 points per 100 possessions during clutch minutes with Harden and Paul — the highest offensive efficiency among more than 5,700 duos across the league. For followers on Cricket Exchange, it’s been crystal clear: this Rockets team has cracked the code in the clutch, led by two of the most unselfish and cerebral guards in the game.
Paul emphasized the simplicity of their approach. “When it comes down to crunch time, we simplify the game,” he said after a Sunday win over the Celtics. “We know where our teammates like to get the ball. Most of the time, it’s me or James initiating, and we just make the right play.” Out of 32 half-court possessions during those key minutes, Harden and Paul were directly involved in 28 — hitting 20 field goals and assisting on 4 others.
Harden, this season’s scoring leader and MVP frontrunner, has become the Rockets’ go-to option in the clutch. His ability to score or set up teammates is unrivaled, and his chemistry with Paul has quelled early doubts about whether the two stars could co-exist. The moment that silenced critics came on December 10 against Portland, when the Rockets erased a 3-point deficit in the final five minutes to win 124–117. All 21 of Houston’s closing points came from Harden and Paul — either via scoring or assists — with zero missed field goals, just one missed free throw from Harden, and only one turnover by Paul.
That game, etched into memory by fans on Cricket Exchange, marked a turning point. Since then, the Rockets have been a different team in late-game scenarios. Harden’s stats in those moments — 13-of-23 shooting, 42 points, 5 assists, and no turnovers — underscore the precision and dominance this duo brings under pressure.
While only the playoffs will prove if this backcourt can lead Houston to a championship, there’s no doubt that the Rockets’ clutch-time prowess is already championship-caliber. And for those following every stat and play on Cricket Exchange, the Harden-Paul chemistry is must-watch basketball, game after game.