Nets star James Harden performed at MVP level in San Antonio on Monday. It was just the warm-up, with the former MVP making his highly anticipated return to Houston on Wednesday.
“Yeah, I’m excited to just go back to Houston where I basically had an amazing career there,” Harden said. “They showed me crazy love and respect and I’m just excited to play in front of the fans. Yes, I’m quite excited. ”
Harden has won the past three titles with the Rockets and challenged Golden State’s dominance in the West by playing under current Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni. But after the team flew the playoffs last season and forced a move to Brooklyn in January, he is now back for the first time.
‘[My] the time was wonderful, ”said Harden. ‘Obviously we fell short of winning a championship or even a final, but just the work I did, hopefully the fans appreciate everything I did on and off the track, and I like still up to do it the court because it’s a place I call home.
‘It’s always at home and I feel like I’m still part of everything and the struggle and everything they go through. I’m excited to go back there and see the familiar faces, see my family and play a game and the last game before the break. “
Nic Claxton finished with a career high of 17 points in 17 minutes for a breakout performance. He shot 7 of 9 off the floor, had three blocks and shook off, not only with his left ankle but also a shot in the face.
“Feel good. Honestly back in the trenches, get a little caught up and keep playing, feel good. Take care of my body and I’ll be ready when we play Houston,” Claxton said after just his fourth game of the season.
“It felt good. I got a little bit of rhythm and I was starting to get my legs back a little bit so it felt good to be out there and my teammates got me. James especially put me in positions to score. If the game is made that simple for me, I take that free money every time. ‘
After having Claxton 13 alone in the second quarter, Steve Nash praised his agility and his work.
“Nic, we know the talent,” Nash said. “We all believe in Nic’s ability and what he brings to the table, but sometimes development takes time. Sometimes you can be very wrong, especially if you have not played much basketball yet, but his ability to move his feet compensates for many things on the floor. He can defend several positions.
‘He’s so active, even when he’s overwhelmed, he makes it really hard for bigger sizes. It was clear that tonight was his breakout game, but he needs to continue to develop, know the game plan, gain experience and confidence, but tonight he was great, and we all believe in him and think he can continue to improve. ”