USA Today via Reuters
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) warms up before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) warms up before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets finally shrugged off their losing streak tonight. They defeated the Miami Heat 128-124 in a thrilling fixture. Though Harden didn’t have the best of his games tonight, he still notched a double-double.
After losing two consecutive games vs the Cavaliers, the Nets were slandered by fans due to their lack of defense. While this remains an issue for them, winning a few games will boost the morale of the entire team. They barely managed to win the game due to last quarter heroics by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
James Harden continues his excellent form with the Brooklyn Nets
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 22, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Since Harden joined the Nets, he has been playing like a completely different player. The former MVP is taking up facilitating duties instead focusing solely on scoring. He struggled from shooting tonight, but James Harden had a quiet 12 point double-double and according to Elias Sports, it was enough for the Beard to once again break an NBA record.
“James Harden is the third player in #NBA history to reach double-digits in points and assists in each of his first five games with a new team, joining Russell Westbrook (first six with Wizards this season) and Deron Williams (first five with Nets in 2010-11).”
James Harden is the third player in #NBA history to reach double-digits in points and assists in each of his first five games with a new team, joining Russell Westbrook (first six with Wizards this season) and Deron Williams (first five with Nets in 2010-11). #BrooklynTogether
— Elias Sports Bureau (@EliasSports) January 24, 2021
If Harden continues his current form, he has a chance to get past the other two players on the list. However, he and the team must have other targets on their mind right now. For starters, they need to become consistent on the defensive end of the floor.
Is James Harden on track to win the first NBA Championship of his career?
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 16, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) works out during the pre-game warmups prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
During his stint with the Rockets, Harden used to stuff the stat sheet with ridiculous numbers. In fact, the Beard was the leading scorer in the league for the last 3 seasons! Despite his insane scoring runs, the Rockets never managed to get past the Western Conference Finals behind James Harden.
ALSO READ | An Insight Into James Harden’s Infamous 2018 MVP Speech and His Dig at the NBA Awards
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However, now he has the perfect chance to focus on other aspects of his game. He has two of the best scorers in the league alongside him. Both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have the talent to take over a game as they proved it tonight vs the Miami Heat.
All things considered, Brooklyn might be just a few pieces away from clinching the 2021 NBA Championship. What are your expectations from the Nets this season?
