After James Harden recorded his seventh triple-double since joining the Brooklyn Nets in a 124-113 win in overtime against the San Antonio Spurs Monday night, teammate Kyrie Irving did not beat the eyelashes.
“We have to implement the phrase‘ get used to it, ’” Irving said with a smile.
Irving was not baffled that, according to Elias Sports Bureau research, Harden became the first player to record 30 points, 15 assists and at least 10 rebounds with zero steals since first-time follow-ups were made. 1977 and 78. Harden finished with 14 rebounds per night.
“When James is being James,” Irving said, “it makes our job a lot easier. So we have to get used to someone special like this, things like that in terms of breaking records. So I can’t wait to be next to him, my name in the history of Nets, and of all the guys on our team where we’re just breaking records as a team, and then, individually, we’re racking up some of the best I’ve ever played. ”
According to ESPN Stats & Information’s research, the seven triple doubles are also the most hit in a season by a Nets player, as Jason Kidd had 12 in 2007-08.
After committing six rotations in the Nets ’loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Harden vowed to be more careful handling basketball.
“If I’m the punctual 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, making them accurate. and not just giving points away. “
After continuing the stretch Monday night for a 10-0 stretch, the Spurs were able to force overtime on a Dejounte Murray bell.
The Nets increased by two digits, with just under four minutes in regulation before allowing the Spurs to get underway. Harden said he was pleased with how the Nets refocused on overtime.
“We hear that we’re not a very good defensive team,” Harden said. “We pick it up and find ways to improve.”
The Nets have one game left for the All Star break: against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. It will also be the first time Harden faces his former team.
“We’re excited to play basketball, go back to where James had a great career,” Irving said. “Looking forward to the experience, looking forward to having fun. It will be highly competitive, lots of fantastic players, no animosity on the court: it will only show greatness.”
Irving added: “Everyone at home, enjoy the game, there will be no tension and no conversations, on the court or about James in my presence or in anyone’s presence. So we come to Houston, enjoy the game of basketball and play -it’s at a high level on behalf of James and the rest of the boys, because we know it’s a special night regardless. “