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 on Monday night, teammate Kyrie Irving didn’t bat an eyelid.
“We have to implement the phrase ‘get used to it,'” Irving said with a smile.
It didn’t surprise Irving that – according to Elias Sports Bureau research – Harden became the first player to score 30 points, 15 assists and at least 10 turnovers with zero turnovers since individual turnovers were first pursued. given in 1977-78. Harden finished with 14 rebounds in the night.
“When James is James,” Irving said, “it makes our job a lot easier. So we have to get used to someone special like that, things like that when it comes to breaking records. So I can’t wait to be really next to him, my name in Nets history – and all the guys on our team, where we break records as a team, and then individually, we get together with some of the best players ever. “
Seven triple-doubles are also the most in a season by a Nets player since Jason Kidd had 12 in 2007-08, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
After committing six turnovers in the Nets’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Harden promised to be more careful in handling basketball.
“If I’m the goalkeeper,” Harden said Monday, “and my teammates and coaching staff give me the responsibility to manage basketball, I have to do a very good job with my permits, making them precise and not just giving points away. “
After a 10-0 run on Monday night, the Spurs managed to force overtime on a buzzer-beater from Dejounte Murray.
The Nets rose double-digit, with just under four minutes left in regulation before allowing Spurs to start. Harden said he is pleased with the way the networks have focused on extensions.
“We hear all the talk about not being a very good defensive team,” Harden said. “We take that and find ways to improve.”
The Nets have another game before the All-Star break – against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. It will also be the first time Harden has faced his former team.
“We’re excited to play basketball, to go back to where James had a great career,” Irving said. “I look forward to the experience, we look forward to having fun. It will be extremely competitive, a lot of wonderful players, no animosity on the field: just greatness on the screen.”
Irving added: “Everyone at home, enjoy the game, there will be no tension and no talk, on the field or about James in my presence or anyone else’s. So we come to Houston to enjoy the game of basketball and to play it at a high level in the name of James and the other boys, because we know it’s a special night, no matter what. “