James Harden dismisses criticism of his stats: 'I thought it was all about winning?'

James Harden downplayed critics pointing to his lackluster stats at the end of the season, noting that he was still facing criticism when he was putting up the best numbers of his career.

"I thought winning was all that matters?" Harden said to reporters. "When I was doing the stats and putting up the numbers, it wasn't good enough. So, at some point, we've gotta figure out what we're talking about. But it's all about winning."

Since returning from injury, Harden combined for 23 points over two games, which is less than what he typically scores in a single game. Harden has seen his scoring decline overall since joining the Nets in Brooklyn, as he has averaged 24 points per game, which is his lowest average in nearly a decade. 

However, Harden insists he is not concerned about the diminished output, as the only thing that matters is whether or not he is helping the Nets win games. And with him, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving healthy and on the court, Brooklyn is the clear favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference. If the Nets are able to win the championship, it would mean Harden finally getting a ring, which he was unable to do in Oklahoma City or Houston.