Harden’s triple-double helps Nets top Murray, Spurs, 117-102 | Basketball

Murray had 25 factors, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his second straight triple-double and thirteenth of his profession, one shy of David Robinson’s franchise document. Harden’s triple-double was his 66th, which is eighth on the all-time record.

“(Harden) obtained into his groove,” Brooklyn’s Patty Mills stated. “He felt the place he may make an influence on the sport. Obtained into the paint, clearly shot it properly and as properly from the three. When he has that selection, he will get it going fairly shortly and fairly simply.”

Kyrie Irving scored 24 factors and LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 for the Nets, who’re lacking star Kevin Durant due to a knee harm.

Brooklyn’s fifth straight victory over San Antonio marked a profitable homecoming for Aldridge and Mills. Each had been honored with video tributes and obtained loud ovations throughout introductions. Aldridge completed with 16 factors and Mills had 9 factors.

“We knew how emotional it was for Patty and L.A. to come back again to San Antonio, so I’m simply completely happy we may get a win for them,” Harden stated.

Harden’s collision with Spurs guard Derrick White halfway via the third quarter appeared to spark the Nets.

White exited the sport with 6:16 remaining after taking an elbow to the nostril from Harden on a missed layup. White remained on the courtroom for about 30 seconds earlier than slowing rising and exiting with a towel pressed firmly to his nostril whereas Harden clutched his elbow. White returned to shut out the ultimate 2 1/2 minutes of the quarter.

Harden responded with eight straight factors, together with an emphatic dunk over 7-foot Jakob Poeltl and a three-point play. He completed with 23 factors within the second half.

White completed with 17 factors for San Antonio, and Poeltl added 15 factors and 11 rebounds.

Brooklyn additionally turned extra bodily within the paint defensively and closed the third quarter with dunks by Aldridge and Bruce Brown as a part of a 6-0 run for a 79-74 lead.

“I feel tonight proved to ourselves that we are able to play that high quality of protection that we’ve proven patches of in previous video games,” Mills stated.

Brooklyn shot 48% from the sphere and was 9 for 25 on 3-pointers. Harden completed 13 of 24 from the sphere and 4 of 8 on 3s.

San Antonio missed 34 pictures within the paint.

“That’s an inordinate variety of misses within the paint,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stated. “That’s fairly robust to do. And in the event you mix that with 27% capturing from 3, you’ll have an issue as a result of clearly James and Kyrie are robust to deal with they usually did what they’re presupposed to do, they usually obtained us.”

Mills and Aldridge stated they had been touched by the 2-minute tribute video the Spurs confirmed previous to tipoff.

“To have the ability to get a welcome again was particular,” Mills stated. “Loads of reminiscences come flooding again simply from being again within the constructing. It was a particular night time.”

The Nets watched the video alongside the previous Spurs gamers and congratulated them.

“It was higher than my video,” Harden stated, smiling. “I nearly wished a redo or make-up or to cry with them. It was particular.”

Nets: Mills performed his first recreation in San Antonio as a customer since March 28, 2011. It was his fifth profession recreation in opposition to the Spurs, together with the Nets’ residence victory Jan. 9. Mills performed his first two seasons with Portland previous to a 10-year profession in San Antonio. He signed with Brooklyn within the offseason. … Durant missed his third straight recreation with sprained left MCL … DeAndre’ Bembry returned after lacking two consecutive video games with a again harm. … Joe Harris stays out after present process left ankle surgical procedure Nov. 29. He was anticipated to overlook 4 to eight weeks, which might convey him again in early February. Harris was averaging 11.3 factors and capturing 47% on 3-pointers in 14 video games earlier than the harm. … The Nets are 16-5 on the street.

Spurs: Murray and Robinson are the one Spurs gamers to have consecutive triple-doubles in franchise historical past. … Popovich was assessed a technical foul with 7:15 remaining after demonstratively arguing a non-call. Popovich apparently believed Kessler Edwards had traveled, as did many of the Spurs’ followers. … San Antonio is 8-9 with its common beginning lineup and 9-20 with totally different lineups. … Spurs assistants Becky Hammon, Mitch Johnson and Darius Songaila stay within the league’s well being and security protocols.

Nets: At Minnesota on Sunday.

Spurs: Host Philadelphia on Sunday.

Extra AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports