Nets star James Harden hosted an MVP show in San Antonio on Monday. This was just the warm-up, with the former MVP making his long-awaited return to Houston on Wednesday.
“Yeah, I’m just excited to be back in Houston, where I’ve basically had an incredible career there,” Harden said. “They showed me crazy love and respect and I’m just happy to play in front of those fans. Yes, I’m pretty excited. ”
Harden has won the last three major Rockets titles and challenged Golden State’s dominance in the west, playing under current Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni. But after the team came out of the playoffs last season and forced a deal in Brooklyn in January, it is now returning for the first time.
“[My] the weather was wonderful, ”Harden said. “Obviously, I came short to win a championship or even a final, but only the work I put in, I hope those fans appreciated everything I did on and off the field and I keep making the court off for that this is a place I call home.
“He is always at home and I feel that I am still a part of everything, of the struggles and of everything that happens. 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 in his career, in 17 minutes, for a great performance. He shot 7 of 9 from the floor, had three blocks and shook not only with his left ankle rolled, but also with a blow to the face.
“It feels good. Honestly go back to the trenches, hit a little and keep playing, you’re fine. Take care of my body and I’ll be ready when we play Houston,” Claxton said after only the fourth game of the season. .
“It simply came to our notice then. I have a little rhythm and I’m starting to get my legs back a bit, so I felt good to be there and my colleagues found me. James put me mostly in scoring positions. When the game is so simple for me, I will get that free money every time. ”
After Claxton was only 13 in the second quarter, Steve Nash praised his mobility and work.
“We don’t know the talent,” Nash said. “We all believe in Nic’s ability and what he brings to the table, but sometimes this development takes time. Sometimes you can be quite prone to mistakes, especially when you haven’t played much basketball, but his ability to move his legs really makes up a lot of things on the floor. It can defend several positions.
“He is so active even when he becomes overwhelmed that it makes it very difficult for the older ones. Obviously, tonight was his game of development, but he needs to continue to develop, know the game plan, gain experience and trust, but tonight was great and we all believe in him and we believe he can continue. to improve. ”