In the art of war, mind games play a significant role in the delicate balance between triumph and defeat. Former Miami Heat NBA player Dwayne Wade and Los Angeles Laker Lebron James, are believed to have strategically utilized this method during the 2012 Olympic team's encounters with James Harden. Kendrick Perkins, in a candid discussion with Channing Frye, disclosed how he and Kevin Durant discerned that Harden was mentally checking out. Recalling Durant's insight, Perkins recalled, "KD said, 'Man, we are about to lose James, and it's not solely about the money. It's because during the Olympics, Bron, D Wade, and all those guys were persuading James, 'Bro, you're too talented to be coming off the bench.'" Subsequently, following Harden's departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade to the Houston Rockets that offseason, neither party has since experienced NBA Finals success. While Harden has shattered multiple scoring records and claimed an MVP title, the desired championship ring has eluded him across his stints, highlighting the enduring impact of those strategic mind games.
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