These MVP-level performances are the reason why the Nets bet everything to get James Harden.
The tempting potential of championship level that they are starting to reach is why Harden forced his way to Brooklyn.
It was shown on Tuesday in Phoenix, when – with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving out – Harden led the Nets to the biggest turnaround in the team’s history. That’s what made Harden so excited about taking a streak of four consecutive wins in Thursday’s match against LeBron James and the Lakers.
“The way we are playing and the potential we have as a team is what excites me,” said Harden. “Arriving in Phoenix and they won six in a row, we lost two of our best players and we entered and won after a fall [21] half? This is exciting.
“We could have given up easily … but we didn’t give up and we won. This is exciting. Now we just need to continue building. Hopefully, we will have KD and Ky back in the next game, and just keep this train moving. “
While still in shape, Harden has already become the driver of this train. The Nets hope that the last stop will be the NBA finals, and they seem to be the favorites to face the Lakers there, with the arrival of Harden the greatest catalyst in them, moving from contenders to potential superteam.
The Nets are an average 7-7 without Harden, but 11-5 when he starts, and a loud 5-1 when he’s in the lineup with Durant and Irving. This raises the question of whether he should be in the MVP conversation.
“He is creating for everyone,” said Durant, “taking down shots, being a shot maker.”
Harden had 38 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds to defeat the Suns, hitting the 3-point dagger with half a minute to close the comeback. But it was his ability to make everyone else better – yes, even the Big 3 – that elevated the Nets.
When Jeff Green starts, the entire formation of the Nets is shooting better than 50% overall and 40% in depth. Everyone is reaching the high point of their career in 3-point clips, and Harden’s playmaking is a big reason for that.
“This is James’ brilliance, being able to distort and manipulate the defense and prepare his teammates for opportunities. This is a great addition to our team and its vision and game, ”said coach Steve Nash.
“Clearly, he is an elite player. He brought this to our team, to our profile. … The way you play is what makes our team better than your scorer. Now, we want him to be aggressive and score and kick, but the special part of what he brings to our team is his way of playing, and [that] allows everything to fit together. “
Although Harden joined Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain as the only men averaging more than 34 points more than once – winning the last three scoring titles – he has adapted since arriving in Brooklyn. He agreed to pass the kicks and was less prolific, but more complete – averaging 11.8 assists and 8.4 rebounds, the best in the NBA, both the best of his career.
“I just try to make the right move and play the game the right way. I don’t really pay attention to statistics or whatnot, ”said Harden. “I knew, coming from the trade, that defensively and recovering, we were not the best. So, my mindset was like a guard trying to be a very good rebound.
“Making plays is something I have always done naturally. So it’s just a mindset, being in the right places and trying to communicate and just get as involved as possible in each possession. The numbers and statistics mean nothing to me if we don’t win. That’s the most important. “
That desire to win prompted Harden to force a Houston deal in a way that is under scrutiny. Even Draymond Green said, “I don’t think anyone is going to fight because James was insisting on his last days in Houston.”
But James understood Harden’s motive, an obstinate focus on a ring.
“He wants to win,” said James. “He wants to win now.”
With Harden looking like an MVP candidate, the Nets have a chance.