When James Harden traded to the Brooklyn Nets in mid-January, the offensive standard he had in mind was Monday night’s 136-125 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
“That was the vision here – this game itself,” Harden said. “From top to bottom, no matter when your number is called, you have to be ready to come in and make a contribution, no matter what it takes. I think every man has the mindset, and it is already a championship-caliber team. “
The Nets tied at 27 three-pointers in Sacramento, setting a franchise record and twice less than the Milwaukee Bucks point. Seven of the nine nets played Monday scored a 3.
Harden scored 29 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists. It was his fifth triple-doubles game since joining the Nets – according to Elias Sports Bureau, all 20-point three-point doubles in franchise history.
Kyrie Irving, who built up 40 points and shot 15-of-22 from the field, gave the Nets the lead. He shot 9-out-11 from outside the arc. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Irving and Harden combined to score 112 points or assist on 112 points.
“It’s a movie,” Harden said of Irving. “It’s like a show. I sometimes forget that I’m in court. He makes them look so effortless. That’s one of the reasons I’m here. ‘
Irving’s nine three-pointers were the second most in a game in his career. He did not want to speak to reporters after the game.
“He’s a magician with the ball,” Nets forward Jeff Green said of Irving. ‘I’ve said it once before, and I like to look at him when he’s in that zone. He’s a hell of a player, and I’m glad I’m on his side and not on the opposite side this year. now click on the correct cylinders. “
The Nets’ previous record of 24 three-pointers was set in 2018 against the Chicago Bulls. Against the Kings, Green tied the franchise standard on a three-out-of-the-break 3, assisted by Harden, with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Harden darkened the Nets’ previous point shortly thereafter with a 25-foot 3 from a pass from Green.
“It’s the kind of offensive output we’re capable of,” Brooklyn coach Steve Nash said after the game. “For us, it’s really the defense we’re trying to keep working on.”