James Harden and Jeremy Lin in New Territory During Rockets Playoff Hunt

James Harden and Jeremy Lin have never been here before.

The Houston Rockets’ star tandem is learning how to embrace growing leadership roles during the team’s battle for the postseason.

It’s new to both of them.

I had a chance to talk with each of the NBA stars following the Rockets’ road victory against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Houston is currently a No. 7 seed in the west, one of three teams fending off the surging Los Angeles Lakers.

I asked Harden about the differences in battling for the postseason as a leader for the Rockets compared to last season’s walk into the playoffs as a sixth man for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Harden, still just 23 years old and averaging 26.3 points per game, has taken on a superstar role, just a season removed from his place as the league’s top bench player.

Note: Only superstars wear these shoes, as he flashed to me on his walk out.

The Rockets lineup is filled with guys taking on increased roles, including Harden, Lin, Chandler Parsons and Omer Asik.

When players step into new territory, the unfamiliarity brings turbulence. 

Lin spoke to reporters about the inexperience of not just himself, but his teammates, and how that contributes to the Rockets’ lack of consistency.

I asked Lin to elaborate on how that inexperience translates into the disparity of play.

If the Rockets can find a rhythm as both confident and controlled, and do it just in time for the postseason, they could create a tough first-round matchup for a top-seeded team. 

Jimmy Spencer is an NBA Lead Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @JimmySpencerNBA