The exhausted San Antonio Spurs gave the Brooklyn Nets Monday everything they could handle. Despite missing a number of key players, they managed to overcome a ten-point deficit in the last 2:12 regulation to enforce overtime. They might have lost the game there, but would probably have won it in regulation had it not been for the heroic deeds of James Harden. The 2018 MVP set up an absolute clinic against San Antonio, scoring 30 points, winning 15 assists and scoring 14 rebounds in the win.
The performance was statistically historical. Harden became the first player to ever place a 30-15-10 series without committing a single turnover, although individual turnover has only been followed since the 1977-78 season. Everyday dominance has been an important aspect of Harden since joining the Nets. While his points have diminished from the absurd levels he has reached in Houston, he has averaged 11.1 before NBA per game since joining the Nets to play along with 8.4 rebounds per game.
“We need to implement the phrase ‘get used to it,'” Irving said of Harden’s brilliance since joining the Nets.
“When James is James, it makes our job a lot easier,” Irving said. “And so we have to get used to someone special like that, things like records. So I can not wait to be right next to him, my name in the history of Nets – and all the guys on our team where we only have records. as a team and then work individually with some of the best to ever play. ‘
The approach has paid significant dividends for a Nets team that has not been at full strength for some time. Kevin Durant has missed 11 of Brooklyn’s last 12 games, but despite a rocky start, the Nets have now won nine of their last ten with Harden at the helm. He has also scored seven three-pointers since joining Brooklyn.
This put Harden, almost unthinkable, back in the MVP conversation. Harden, who is particularly characterized by his accomplishments in isolation, has adapted to suit the needs of his new team by sacrificing his own points for the sake of his teammates. The Nets thrive as a result, and when Durant returns, they will be able to run for the title as best offense in NBA history.