Nets star James Harden performed MVP-level performance on Monday in San Antonio. That was just a warm-up, with the ex-MVP making his expected return to Houston on Wednesday.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to going back to Houston, where I basically had an incredible career there,” said Harden. “They showed me great love and respect and I am very excited to be playing in front of these fans. Yes, I am very excited. “
Harden won the last three scoring titles with the Rockets and challenged Golden State’s dominance in the west, playing under the command of current Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni. But after the team was eliminated from the playoffs last season and he forced a move to Brooklyn in January, he is now back for the first time.
“[My] the weather was great, ”said Harden. “Obviously, we didn’t win a championship or even a final, but just the work I did, I hope these fans have enjoyed everything I did on and off the court and I’m still continuing to do it outside the court because it’s a place that I call it home.
“It is always a home and I feel that I am still part of everything and the struggles 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 17 points, the best of his career, in 17 minutes, for an extraordinary performance. He hit 7 of 9 from the floor, had three blocks and shook not only with his left ankle rolled, but with a kick in the face.
“Feeling good. Back in the trenches, honestly, get a little pissed and keep playing, it’s good. Take care of my body and I’ll be ready when we play against Houston,” said Claxton after just his fourth game of the season.
“It was fine. I gained a little rhythm and I’m starting to put my legs back a little, so it was good to be outside and my teammates found me. In particular, James put me in a position to score. When the game is simplified for me, I’ll get that money for free every time. ”
After Claxton turned 13 only in the second quarter, Steve Nash praised his mobility and his work.
“Nic, we know the talent,” said Nash. “We all believe in Nic’s ability and what he brings to the table, but sometimes that development takes time. Sometimes you can be quite prone to mistakes, especially when you haven’t played a lot of basketball, but his ability to move his feet really makes up for a lot of things on the ground. He can defend several positions.
“He is so active, even when he is dominated, that he makes it very difficult on big giants. Obviously, tonight was his decisive game, but he has to continue to develop, to know the game plan, to gain experience and confidence, but tonight he was great, and we all believe him and we think he can continue to improve. “