Do the Brooklyn Nets Need James Harden Against the Resurgent Milwaukee Bucks?

The Brooklyn Nets are one of the most stacked teams in the league this season. With the big three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, the Nets have the best odds to win the championship this season.

Facing off against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nets had an incredible start against the Bucks. Despite missing James Harden, they dominated Giannis & Co. and easily outscored the third seeded Bucks.

Especially after their second blowout victory of 125-86, the Nets looked like they were in prime position for a sweep. But their Game 3 performance was certainly a pretty concerning sight for fans as the stacked offense of the Nets failed to score even 100 points and were ousted by the Bucks 86-83.

Given their disappointing display, the biggest question that lies is whether the Nets need James Harden to steamroll past the Bucks?

READ MORE- When Will Brooklyn Nets’ Superstar James Harden Return in the Playoffs?

Why the Brooklyn Nets should bring in James Harden for the upcoming game

After two fantastic shooting nights that showcased the lethal offensive power of the Nets, their recent defeat certainly showed how the injury to Harden affects their team.

While Mike James is a fine backup, he certainly does not have the necessary talent to replace Harden’s output. This put immense pressure on Durant and Irving to score more points and increased the pressure on players like Joe Harris and Bruce Brown to step up.

Given how inexperienced some of the supporting cast is, it is understandable why the Nets struggled in Game 3.

But Harden’s availability will change many things. With the Beard playing point, the possibility to double team the big three will be substantially less and if at all they do deploy double teams, Harden will have at least two players with better looks at the basket resulting in easy buckets.

Another big gap the Nets showed in Harden’s absence was defense. This was apparent in the last game as well. Although Jrue Holiday was silent offensively, the veteran guard showed how easily he could penetrate to the paint and score baskets. Holiday’s last bucket in transition iced the game.

While the 32-year-old might not be considered an elite wing defender, the Beard is an imposing presence on the court. He can certainly put pressure on guards like Jrue Holiday as well. If the Nets want to win the series, Steve Nash should consider bringing in Harden.

Although ‘the Beard‘ did suffer from tightness in his hamstring, given that he has had a six-seven day rest, the Nets should include him in the lineup. Given how Harden can change the game in a limited amount of time, including him for Game 4 is a no-brainer.