Content Tucker shrugs off snub for awards on defense
MINNEAPOLIS — After declaring forward P.J. Tucker “one of the best defenders I’ve ever seen,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni wondered if Tucker had ever made an NBA All-Defensive team.
He has not, which prompted D’Antoni to say Tucker should.
“I don’t know why he wouldn’t,” D’Antoni said. “It doesn’t get much better than him.”
Tucker has started the last 17 games, with the Rockets winning 16. The Rockets have had the third-rated defense in the NBA since Tucker moved into the starting lineup.
But Tucker said he was unconcerned with getting the postseason honor D’Antoni argued he deserves.
“At this point, no,” Tucker said. “It would be cool, but for years, when I was mentioned as Defensive Player of the Year, they said, ‘Are you making the playoffs?’
“We didn’t make it. I don’t care, man. I want to win. Whether they acknowledge it or not, who cares? It never happened before. Now, I don’t care.”
Harden lets play speak for itself
When New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry called Rockets guard James Harden the clearcut MVP, many in the Smoothie King Center on Saturday might not have agreed. The Pelicans have been promoting Anthony Davis for MVP.
But at least one player who was asked about Gentry’s opinion thought Gentry was correct.
“Yeah, I agree,” Harden said. “It feels good to hear from other coaches, teams you’re competing against.
“It’s not my concern. Thanks. I appreciate it. My concern is going out there consistently, play great every single night. That’s my job. That’s what I’m paid to do. That’s what I like doing.”
Asked if he would vote for himself, Harden laughed and said he does not have a vote.
He had just as little interest in opposing coaches’ complaints about officiating in the last two games.
Harden is second in the NBA in free throws attempted, with his trips to the line spurring complaints from the Clippers’ Doc Rivers and Gentry that their players did not receive similar calls.
Asked if he had gotten in the heads of opposing players and coaches, Harden said: “I don’t know about that. That’s not my concern. That’s not how I approach the game.
“I approach the game in attack mode and create space and create shots and create opportunities for my teammates. However it’s done, I get it done.”
Gentry was fined $15,000 on Sunday for his comments about the officiating Saturday night in the Pelicans’ 107-101 loss to the Rockets.
Anderson needs to find rhythm
Rockets forward Ryan Anderson returned Saturday after missing eight games with a sore hip and groin, experiencing no difficulties beyond rust in his 11 minutes in the win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Anderson took two shots, both 3-pointers that he missed, and grabbed three rebounds Saturday.
“I just need to get my rhythm back,” Anderson said. “No pain. But I definitely needed to get out and sweat it and feel it out.
“I hadn’t obviously played in a while. We played three-on-three one day, did the drills. It’s a whole different beast being out on the court.
“I felt good, though. I felt that I could move fine. Getting that rhythm back is going to be important. I’ll get it pretty quick here.”