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A couple of week and a half in the past, it appeared as if the Brooklyn Nets wouldn’t be enjoying on Christmas Day. Their Dec. 23 sport in Portland was officially postponed, and with Kevin Durant within the well being and security protocols, all indicators have been pointing to James Harden (presumably) being the one to steer the group.
Final Thursday, Harden and Paul Millsap cleared the protocols, giving the Nets an enormous increase earlier than they have been set to journey to Los Angeles. After final enjoying on Dec. 10, Harden was set to make his return on Christmas in opposition to LeBron James and the Lakers within the newly named Crypto.com Enviornment.
Harden’s 36 factors, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 122-115 win on Christmas was a gift to Brooklyn fans. His incapacity to be constant for the Nets was a recurring theme through the group’s first 30 video games of the season, which made his efficiency that rather more spectacular.
The 32-year-old stole the present as soon as once more on Monday, scoring 39 factors in a 124-108 win over the Clippers. Perhaps what Harden wanted was a break, which is what he received as soon as he entered the protocols. After two enormous video games for Brooklyn, might Houston Harden be again … for good?
James Harden dominates for the Brooklyn Nets throughout street journey in LA.
Then got here his final two video games. They didn’t lead to wins for the Nets, however he shot a mixed 18-of-42 with 67 factors, 26 rebounds and 23 assists. He received to the free throw line a complete of 33 instances. That’s 4 straight video games of 30 or extra factors for Harden.
The Nets not being answerable for the Japanese Convention hasn’t been a priority, on condition that they’re 23-11 and in first place. In Kyrie Irving’s absence and amid Harden’s struggles, Durant’s placed on a present. He’s averaging a league-high 29.8 factors per sport, essentially the most for him since his MVP season in 2013-2014.
Harden’s had just a few good video games sprinkled in right here and there, however he hasn’t been anyplace near the participant that he was in Houston. That’s, till lately.
Brooklyn followers have lots to look ahead to. Now that each KD and Irving have exited the protocols, the Nets are going to have their three stars again collectively once more, even when it’s simply just for away video games. Harden shifting again into his prime kind couldn’t have come at a greater time.
He’s going to assist take a few of the pressure off Durant, particularly throughout video games at Barclays Middle when Irving gained’t be on the courtroom.
Let’s not neglect that Brooklyn entered the yr because the preseason title favorites, and after not enjoying as much as that label in opposition to playoff-caliber groups, it’s wanting just like the Nets are again. And if Harden retains it up, Brooklyn may be close to unstoppable.
Like we stated, Harden rediscovering his kind was one of the best Christmas present potential.
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