When James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in mid-January, the offensive standard he had in mind was Monday night’s 136-125 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
“That was the vision right here – this game itself,” Harden said. “From top to bottom, no matter when your number rings, you have to be prepared to come in and contribute, no matter what is needed. I think every guy has this mentality and he is already a championship caliber team. . “
The Nets connected on 27 of 3 points in Sacramento, setting a franchise record and reaching two steps ahead of the all-time Milwaukee Bucks mark. Seven of the nine Nets who played on Monday amassed 3.
Harden had 29 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists. It was the fifth triple-double since joining the Nets – already the most 20 triple-double points in the franchise’s history, surpassing Jason Kidd, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Kyrie Irving, who collected 40 points and shot 15 of 22 from the field, led the way to the Nets. He finished shooting 9-of-11 from beyond the arc. Irving and Harden combined on Monday to score or assist 112 points, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
“It’s a movie,” Harden said of Irving. “It’s like a show. Sometimes I forget I’m on the field. It makes them seem so effortless. It’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
Irving’s nine three-pointers were the second highest in a competition of his career. He refused to talk to reporters after the match.
“He’s a ball magician,” Jeff Green told the Nets about Irving. “I’ve said it before and I like to look at him when he’s in that area. He’s a damn player and I’m glad I’m on his side and not the other side this year. We’re clicking on the cylinders in right now. “
The previous record of the 24 points achieved by the Nets was set in 2018 against the Chicago Bulls. Against Kings, Green equaled the franchise standard by a 3 over break assisted by Harden with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Harden eclipsed the previous Nets mark shortly afterwards, with a height of 25 feet from a pass from Green.
“That’s the kind of offensive result we’re capable of,” Brooklyn coach Steve Nash said after the game. “For us, it’s really the defense we’re trying to work on.”