The Brooklyn Nets took the court on Saturday against the Orlando Magic for the first time with superstar guard James Harden in the lineup, and for the most part, he didn’t disappoint at all in his debut.
Although Harden was rather erratic and obviously needs some time to sync up with the rest of his new teammates, he formed a phenomenal tandem alongside Kevin Durant in Brooklyn’s 122-115 win, which should have fans of the team very encouraged.
Despite something of a slow start, Harden eventually picked up his play as Saturday’s contest wore on, racking up 32 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. He overcame a slow scoring start by feeding Durant early and often, and eventually hit eight of 18 shots from the field, three of 10 from 3-point range and sank 13 of 15 free throws.
Toward the end of his time with Houston, Harden was clearly sacrificing his shot in favor of being passive on offense, a sign he was disgruntled and didn’t want to play with the Rockets anymore. However, he was definitely not showing that type of form for the Nets, willingly making the proper play to get his teammates involved — even sometimes to a fault.
When on some plays it seemed like Harden would’ve been better off doing what he does best and shooting the ball, he wound up coughing the rock up. The eight-time All-Star finished the night with a whopping nine turnovers, which is part of the reason Orlando was able to remain within striking distance until late in the fourth quarter.
Losing that many possessions can be chalked up more to chemistry issues and getting a feel for his new surroundings than Harden being particularly reckless or careless with the ball.
In the first half alone, Harden showed a commitment to defense rarely seen during his tenure with the Houston Rockets. He blocked a shot and made three of his four steals on the evening in 19 minutes of first-half action, helping Brooklyn to a narrow 52-50 advantage.
That compensated for Harden’s cold start from beyond the arc, as he bricked his first four treys as a Net.
With Harden having led the NBA in scoring for the past three seasons, it’d be expected for him to check out as he often did in Houston when he was having an off shooting night. The fact that he’s already contributing in other areas in an exceptional way bodes well for his future in Brooklyn.
Granted, Harden still has plenty to prove in that regard. What happens when real adversity hits this talented squad? Will he be able to maintain that same energy, particularly under a first-year coach in Steve Nash? We shall see.
Speaking of that adversity: While Irving continues to work his way back — he was expected to be in action against the Magic, but wasn’t — it’s at least confirmed that Harden and Durant have hardly missed a step from their days in Oklahoma City, where both started their NBA careers.
Durant was dynamic playing off Harden all night, lighting up Orlando’s defense for a game-high 42 points. What could that mean for Irving’s future?
Considering the fact that Durant is perhaps the most versatile pure scorer in NBA history, it makes sense that Harden would adapt. His game in Houston was predicated on isolation and clearing out to either create off the dribble or shrug off defenders for separation before 3-point attempts.
It’s great how Harden seems to already be reconnecting with Durant in a real way. However, Irving is the big wild card here. Will he act all petty and jealous that Harden and Durant are reviving their Thunder chemistry? And is Harden still going to be able to function as a pure point guard with Irving playing off the ball?
Irving didn’t want to keep playing with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, even though he was the clear No. 2 option on the squad and won a championship. Based on how strong Harden looked was on Saturday, it might’ve actually worked against Brooklyn’s hopes of getting Irving back and having him fully committed to the team.
On the other hand, if Irving leaves, it appears as though the Nets would be fine — and perhaps thrive — without the obvious distractions he has created.
Here are some of the best real-time reactions from around the NBA to Harden’s Nets debut as it unfolded:
Let’s talk about this narrative: James Harden looks happy and there’s no price tag for that feeling. Could he have handle things better. YES! but couldn’t we all. Im happy for this black man pic.twitter.com/n1Sm5hhG9a
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 17, 2021
Harden hyping up KD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 16, 2021
Already building chemistry pic.twitter.com/cnm5XRxu7n
Harden is on his best “first time meeting your partner’s parents” level behavior. he just blocked a shot!
— ☕netw3rk (@netw3rk) January 16, 2021
You’re watching the Upgraded Harden and KD pic.twitter.com/2ZMQRDCONY
— Famouslos32 (@famouslos32) January 17, 2021
Harden and KD look damn good…Kyrie better hurry up back before Nash make him a 6th man. Real Talk!!! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 17, 2021
Russ watching KD and Harden play pic.twitter.com/F7NCPapERs
— Blue Wire Podcasts (@bluewirepods) January 17, 2021
Harden shooting mid ranges again lmfaoo league is done for pic.twitter.com/szbpyE6GER
— ¹³ (@RocketsPlsWin) January 17, 2021
It’s clear in his Nets debut that Harden can be a tremendous point guard if he wants (and still score 24 or so a night). If Kyrie accepts playing primarily off the ball when they’re on the floor together, danger lurks for opponents.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) January 17, 2021
James Harden is the first player in NBA history with a 30-point triple-double in their debut with a team.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 17, 2021
Kevin Durant and James Harden have combined for 70 points, their most ever in a game as teammates (including playoffs). pic.twitter.com/1UNoCX7Icn
James harden thin again? Levert doesn’t pass physical trade still goes through?
— O’Shea Jack(Nichol)son (@OsheaJacksonJr) January 16, 2021
But I still can’t get my explanation why the lakers couldn’t get Chris Paul
When James Harden is a willing passer he’s the most dangerous.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 16, 2021
We joke about James Harden giving you a 30 point triple-double off the street but he literally just did that
— Duncan Smith (@DuncanSmithNBA) January 17, 2021
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