While James Harden has been labeled the point guard of the Houston Rockets this season by Mike D'Antoni, he has dominated the ball and their offense since his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I’ve been [running the offense] since I’ve been here in Houston,” Harden said.

Per NBA.com’s SportVU player tracking data, Harden had the ball for an average of 6.0 minutes per game during the 2014-15 season, 21st in the league. Harden had the ball for 6.3 minutes per game last season, 13th in the league. 

D'Antoni simply cut out the middlemen this season.

“Normally, they would just bring it up, move it two times, then give it to him, then let him [initiate the offense]. And after he’s struggled to get the ball or had to wrestle to get the ball,” D’Antoni said. “We’re just trying to make it easier for him. Why camouflage it? You know that’s where it’s going. You know he has to make plays. So why not do it?

“And it gives him a sense, also, of purpose for the team that he understands: to get everybody involved to a certain degree without losing his identity.”

Harden's assists are up this season, averaging 12.4 per game.

“I was hoping for like 60 and 20. I’m only getting about 40 and 15. He’s a little underperforming right now,” D’Antoni joked.