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Saying this will sound like a damaged document at this level, however James Harden goes to need to step up his recreation with the Brooklyn Nets. Followers have been ready patiently for greater than 1 / 4 of the season now, however there’s been no actual change in Harden’s recreation.
The way in which that he carried out final Tuesday evening in a 112-110 win over the Knicks is the participant that he must all the time be. Harden was dominant from begin to end and shot a season-high 55% from the ground for a team-high 34 factors. He gave hope that possibly — simply possibly — he was returning to type.
Nonetheless, it was short-lived. This previous weekend, the Nets beat the Timberwolves on Friday, however then circled and misplaced to the Bulls on Saturday. Harden’s efficiency in each video games was a trigger for concern. He scored 20 factors towards Minnesota (4-of-11) and 14 (5-of-21) towards Chicago.
Kevin Durant’s confirmed he can win video games singlehandedly for Brooklyn, however he wants Harden to be taking part in at an analogous depth. How lengthy will this proceed for Harden? Sadly, his inconsistency isn’t making it look like he’s going to discover a manner out of his hunch anytime quickly.
3 explanation why James Harden is struggling for the Brooklyn Nets
3. Kevin Durant
How on this planet is Durant any kind of an issue right here? He’s the explanation why the Nets are in first within the East, so why is Harden’s play his fault?
A minimum of KD’s used to taking the blame, he did simply that following the Nets’ loss to the Bulls on Saturday. It’s not Durant’s fault that Harden couldn’t end on the rim and didn’t contribute the way in which he ought to’ve on the offensive finish, however Harden’s performed a lot better at any time when KD’s both isn’t on the ground or has struggled.
Harden carried out extraordinarily nicely towards New York. That was so noticeable as a result of it was considered one of Durant’s worst outings of the yr. KD shot 9-of-23 from the sector (0-of-5 from the 3-point line) for 27 factors. That being a nasty recreation for Durant says lots concerning the participant that he’s, contemplating that Harden’s solely scored 27+ factors six occasions this season.
When KD sat out with a sore shoulder towards Orlando on Nov. 19, Harden scored 36 factors in 41 minutes. Essentially the most he’s scored in a recreation this yr is 39.
With out Durant, the highlight was on Harden. And though he shot 28% from the sector that recreation, it appeared like a minimum of a part of his confidence returned. Harden was capable of take over the sport in an analogous manner he’s completed previously.
For Brooklyn to achieve success, it’s going to take each KD and Harden. The Nets can’t afford for Durant’s recreation to take a dip, however additionally they can’t afford to not have Harden at his finest for for much longer.
The 2 performed collectively in Oklahoma Metropolis and reunited in Brooklyn. The chemistry is there, however Harden wants to interrupt by the funk that he’s in. At any time when this duo will get right into a groove, the Nets are going to appear to be the workforce that was named because the preseason title favorites.
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