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The transformation the Nets have undergone since their Jan. 14 commerce for James Harden grows extra outstanding by the sport. Getting into Friday night time’s sport at Orlando, the Nets had been 14-1 of their earlier 15 video games, tied for first within the Jap Convention with the 76ers and using a franchise-record eight-game highway successful streak.
In his earlier two video games, Harden recorded his tenth and eleventh triple-double performances in a mere 27 video games as a Internet. He capped Monday’s five-point win over the Nets at residence by scoring their last 10 factors, and he introduced the Nets again from a 16-point deficit Wednesday at Indiana to drag out a slim win by scoring 40 factors, grabbing 10 rebounds and shelling out 15 assists.
Since Harden joined the Nets, they’re 21-6 within the video games he has performed, which is tied with the Jazz for finest within the NBA throughout that stretch. The Nets are additionally 14-3 in clutch video games (outlined as video games in which there’s a margin of 5 factors or much less within the last 5 minutes), which represents probably the most clutch wins within the NBA throughout that span.
Following the win over the Pacers, which was completed with out Kyrie Irving in addition to Kevin Durant, who has performed solely one of many previous 15 video games, coach Steve Nash was requested if something Harden does surprises him anymore. “I’ll by no means take it with no consideration, however we’re getting used to it,” Nash stated. “Outstanding efficiency with out Ky. He made some large performs down the stretch, however total, it was simply such calls for on James to ship . . . All the opposite guys performed their half, however James was the principle man as we’ve come to anticipate and we are able to’t take it with no consideration. Excellent. Goes with out saying fairly unimaginable efficiency from James.”
Irving sat out the Indiana sport with proper groin soreness, however he was scheduled to return Friday night time. The Nets are 12-2 when each Harden and Irving play with no Durant, so successful with out Irving within the comeback style they did appeared an indication of the Nets’ rising resolve and toughness regardless of adversity.
“Clearly, we don’t wish to get used to having KD and Kyrie out of the lineup, but when we do, then guys should step up,” Harden stated. “We preach each night time goes to be any person completely different, so be prepared and be ready for the chance.”
Nobody has been extra ready than Harden. The reigning three-time NBA scoring champion has targeted totally on playmaking and now’s main the league in assists. The way in which he has adjusted to being extra of a playmaker with the Nets has put his title in the course of the league MVP dialog.
“I’ve positively by no means performed with anyone like him,” second-year middle Nic Claxton marveled. “He simply makes the sport tremendous straightforward, simply enjoying off him and him attending to his spot so he can end at any time when he desires. He can just about do no matter he desires on the market, and he’s a particularly, extraordinarily sensible basketball participant. His IQ is simply off the charts. So it’s enjoyable to study. I’m soaking in all of the data that I can.”
Given how effectively the Nets have been enjoying, it’s arduous to think about how a lot better they are going to be when Durant returns from his harm and up to date free-agent signee Blake Griffin is able to be a part of the combo. Jeff Inexperienced laughed on the thought.
“I don’t know methods to reply that,” he stated. “Hopefully, maintain successful. That’s the plan. I don’t see issues altering. That’s including two All-Star abilities to our staff, so I consider we simply proceed to get higher.”
Greg Logan has labored for Newsday since 1982 overlaying a big selection of sports activities and occasions, presently together with the Brooklyn Nets beat.
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