After James Harden scored his seventh triple-double since joining the Brooklyn Nets in a 124-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs, his teammate Kyrie Irving did not beat an eyelash.
“We need to implement the phrase ‘get used to it’,” Irving said with a smile.
This did not disappoint Irving that Harden – according to research from the Elias Sports Bureau – became the first player to score 30 points, 15 assists and at least 10 rebounds with no turnover since individual turnover in 1977-78 for the first time. is not. Harden finished the night with 14 rebounds.
“When James is James,” Irving said, “it makes our job a lot easier. And that’s why we had to get used to someone so special, such things in terms of records. So, I can not wait to be right next to him, me. name in the history of Nets – and all the guys in our team where we just break records as a team, and then we individually are doing the best we can ever play. ‘
According to ESPN Stats & Information, seven triple doubles is also the most in a season by a Nets player since Jason Kidd had 12 in 2007-08.
After committing six times in the Nets defeat to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Harden promised to handle basketball more carefully.
“If I’m the point guard,” Harden said Monday, “and my teammates and coaching staff give me the responsibility to handle basketball, I have to do a really good job with my passes, to make it accurate and not just do not give. waypoints. “
After the Spurs passed a 10-0 run on Monday night, the Spurs were able to force overtime on a buzzer from Dejounte Murray.
The Nets were double-digit higher, with just under four minutes left in regulation before they could give the Spurs a run. Harden said he is delighted with how the Nets have focused in overtime.
“We hear all the talk about us not being a very good defensive team,” Harden said. “We pick it up, and we find ways to get better.”
The Nets have one more game left before the All-Star break – against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. It’s also the first time Harden has faced his former team.
“We’m excited to play basketball, and go back to where James had a great career,” Irving said. “I’m looking forward to the experience, looking forward to having fun. It’s going to be very competitive, very good players, no hostility on the pitch: just showing greatness.”
Irving added: ‘Everyone at home, enjoy the game, there will be no tension and no talk going on or about James in my presence or anyone else’s presence. So we come to Houston, to enjoy the game of basketball and play it on a high level on behalf of James and the rest of the guys, because we know it’s a special night anyway. ‘