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This regarded like final season’s James Harden. Like prime Houston Rockets MVP James Harden.
That was dangerous information for the Clippers. And it bodes properly for Brooklyn, who cruised to a 124-108 laugher earlier than 17,128 at Crypto.com Enviornment.
The Nets couldn’t have gotten a greater vacation current than Harden getting on this type of a roll. After a 15-day layoff — first resulting from relaxation, then being caught in well being and security protocols — Harden has been stellar since his Christmas Day comeback. He backed up a 36-point triple-double in opposition to the Lakers with Monday’s encore.
Harden had 39 factors, 15 assists and eight rebounds, attending to the rim at will and searching explosive. To a person, the East-leading Nets (23-9) all mentioned the 2 week layoff did the star some good.
“Most likely. I used to be beginning to really feel good proper earlier than then…That break, Covid, or protocol, or relaxation, no matter you wish to name it, it might’ve went two methods. I simply locked in on my physique, my consuming, and once I was capable of begin understanding, my exercises,” mentioned Harden, including “I felt good. My physique felt good.
“I’m attempting to verify my physique feels nice so I can proceed to maintain going up within the common season and making ready for the playoffs. Individually I’ve to verify I’m in the most effective form and I’m the most effective James kind that I will be for my teammates. If I’m that kind, good issues will occur for my workforce.”
And he regarded nice, blowing by defenders and manipulating the protection. He shot 15-of-25, and orchestrated a Nets offense that hit .568 p.c.
“You’re anticipating guys to really feel their approach again into it. However from the bounce in opposition to the Lakers, once more [vs. the Clippers], he’s simply been scientific,” mentioned Steve Nash. “Simply such an amazing head of the snake for us. When he performs like that we’re very tough to beat.”
Whereas the Clippers had been lacking Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Brooklyn was with out Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However they’d Harden, who joined some august firm with this elite efficiency.
Harden grew to become simply the tenth participant in league historical past with 20,000 factors, 6,000 assists and 5,000 boards. The primary 9 are a Who’s Who in or sure for Springfield: Kobe Bryant, Clyde Drexler, John Havlicek, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Gary Payton, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Russell Westbrook.
“He’s traditionally nice. The numbers he’s put up are unimaginable. He’s among the finest gamers of his technology and it’s mind-boggling to think about all of the numbers he’s put up and all of the success he’s had,” mentioned Nash. “He’s a type of very, very particular gamers not solely of his technology however traditionally. The numbers again it up.”
And Monday, Harden and his Nets had been cruel in punishing a Clippers (17-17) workforce that was coming off a back-to-back and reeling from the Christmas Day information of George’s torn elbow ligament.
The Nets trailed early 23-16, however an 11-0 run gave them a lead they by no means surrendered.
Brooklyn confirmed defensive power behind Nic Claxton (18 factors, three blocks), DeAndre’ Bembry and Bruce Brown. They blocked eight photographs and held the Clippers to .381 capturing.
Patty Mills (18 factors) dove on the ground for a unfastened ball, received it to Harden for a bounce go to Bembry. The quick break dunk made it 60-48 with 3:52 left within the half, and it simply grew.
The spotlight reel was Mills going behind the again to Harden, who threw an ideal lob to Claxton for a 92-73 edge. It reached 100-78 on Griffin’s layup with 2:21 left within the third, and it by no means received under double digits because of Harden.
“I undoubtedly assume the break benefited him,” mentioned Claxton. “He was placing on a present. Hopefully he can simply proceed this once we get all people again. It’s gonna be scary hours, for actual.”
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