He almost had a quadruple-double with nine turnovers, something he wasn’t pleased about. I just want to make it a little bit easier if I can. He had a bunch of turnovers just because he’s new to the team and the group and you’re thrown out there in an NBA where the other team is an excellent coached-basketball team....But all the things he did on the floor were incredible for his first game.”, Nash said before the game that Harden’s natural position is point guard, so it will be intriguing how he fits in with Irving once he returns, whether it’s on Monday or later. James Harden to make official debut with the Nets vs the Magic. The Nets will not see all three of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in action just yet, but it is possible Harden could make his debut Saturday night when Brooklyn hosts the Orlando Magic. For me, all I have to do is go out there and be the best James Harden I can be and good things will happen.". For the rest of our team, our shooters and our bigs -- make it easier for them. James Harden won’t have to wait to get a chance for a first impression with the Brooklyn Nets. James Harden Makes NBA History With 30-Point Triple-Double Brooklyn Nets Debut: The Beard denounces any uncertainty with an explosive first game. His availability is due to the completion of the four-team trade that brought him from the Houston Rockets to Brooklyn. “He played the same way he was playing in Houston, being a pass-first guard, trying to get guys good looks. The Nets finally have their first winning streak of the 2020-21 NBA season, knocking off their third consecutive opponent in James Harden’s Brooklyn debut on Saturday. James Harden merely became the seventh player in NBA history to have a triple-double in his debut with a new team and the first with a triple-double that … The Nets didn’t get to unveil their Big 3, because Kyrie Irving is still out. Cleveland Browns Squander Prime Opportunity Versus Patrick Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs. James Harden could make his debut with the Brooklyn Nets against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Kevin Durant scored a team-high 42 points and had five assists and four rebounds. Harden became the seventh player to notch a triple-double in his team debut and the first player ever to notch a 30-point triple-double in his debut. Kevin Durant scored a season-high 42 points and James Harden added a 32-point triple-double in his debut for the Brooklyn Nets, who recorded a 122-115 victory over the Orlando Magic First-year coach Steve Nash loved what he saw. © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. Obviously, KD is like an elite, different kind of basketball player as far as the way he is able to score the basketball. The talent, the level of play, the energy and the camaraderie we had, it felt like we had been playing together a long time.”. James Harden is listed available to make his Brooklyn Nets debut tonight against the Magic. Harden became the first player in NBA history to score a 30-point triple-double in their debut with a team. When will James Harden play? James Harden helped the Brooklyn Nets to a win over the Orlando Magic in his debut with the team and made history when he recorded a triple-double. Harden was traded to the Nets after nine seasons in Houston, which saw him emerge as one of the league's best players and win the Most Valuable Player trophy in 2018. You may opt-out by. Kevin Durant and James Harden have combined … Adam Zagoria is a Basketball and Tennis insider who contributes to The New York Times, NJ Advance Media and newspapers nationwide.He is the author of two books and an award-winning filmmaker. James Harden made NBA history in his debut with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. 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Nash said pre-game the timing of his return was “to be determined.”. If trading for James Harden was the hard part, this is where it gets interesting. James Harden Makes NBA History On Debut For Brooklyn Nets It was a debut to remember for James Harden, who helped the Brooklyn Nets prevail against the … James Harden: Impressions from a record-breaking Brooklyn Nets debut. The Nets finally have their first winning streak of the 2020-21 NBA season, knocking off their third consecutive opponent in James Harden’s Brooklyn debut on Saturday. James Harden is available to make his Brooklyn Nets debut Saturday night, the team announced. "I hope that you can tell by my smile and my play," Harden said. Harden went for 32 points (8/18 shooting, 3/10 from beyond the arc), 12 rebounds and 14 assists, as the Nets defeated the Orlando Magic (115-122). Harden, who has made it known that Brooklyn was a preferred trade destination for months, said that it was "unbelievable" to finally be playing in a game with the Nets. “I can’t say I’m surprised,” first-year Nets coach Steve Nash said. "I think he's had a strange start to the season," Nash said. Harden and Durant's combined 72 points are the most the duo has ever scored as teammates. In his first game with the Brooklyn Nets, James Harden offered us a hint of the new role he could assume with his new team. Jan 13, 2021. Harden was listed as questionable heading into the contest. James Harden is set to play his first game in a Brooklyn Nets uniform. Harden (30 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds) and Kevin Durant (42 points) led the Nets in scoring, accounting for over half of Brooklyn’s scoring — not to mention they combined for 19 assists. He scored or assisted for a total of 63 points, third-most all-time for a player in his debut. 1d Kirk Goldsberry. So yeah, it was easy out there.". Harden posts triple double in NBA debut with Brooklyn Nets posted January 17, 2021 at 12:30 pm by AFP Kevin Durant scored a season-high 42 points as the James Harden-era began for the Brooklyn Nets with a triple-double and a 122-115 NBA victory over the struggling Orlando Magic on Saturday. In the second half, he dribbled to the basket, drawing several defenders and fed a bullet pass to Durant for a three. Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets high-five during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on January 16, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. In his first game since the blockbuster trade that brought him over from Houston, Harden went for 32 points, 14 assists, 12 rebounds and four steals as the Nets won their third straight, 122-115, over Orlando at Barclays Center. The Nets (7-6) host the Orlando Magic.Harden was listed as questionable heading into the contest. His availability is due to the completion of the four-team trade that brought him from the … Steve Nash says James Harden could play off the ball for the Nets. James Harden’s debut with the Brooklyn Nets was historic. James Harden made history in his first game with KD and the Nets. Harden, who … The Nets didn’t get to unveil their Big 3, because Kyrie Irving is still out. James Harden great Nets debut impressed Nets fans Saturday night vs the Orlando Magic with a 32 point triple-double. He had 32 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds in his first game for the Nets. For him to do as many things as he did on the basketball floor tonight was incredible.". New York Daily News | Jan 17, 2021 at 6:00 AM . "Just excited, excited for the opportunity. ‘Paint First, Spray It Out’: What Makes The Clippers’ New Offense So Elite. When James Harden first took the court for the Houston Rockets in 2012, he was intent on proving he belonged in the NBA’s star class. By Kristian Winfield. And he and his new franchise couldn’t have dreamed up a better beginning. The Houston Rockets have traded former MVP James Harden to the Nets on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and … “Coach put him at the point, I think that’s his natural position, is point and combo guard. (1:55). Published January 16, 2021 James Harden stats, biggest takeaways, reaction to star’s Brooklyn Nets debut A change of scenery may have been the best thing to ever happen to James Harden … The Nets (7-6) host the Orlando Magic. His 14 assists were the most ever for a Nets player in his first game. But it’s still not easy. Harden was listed as questionable heading into the contest. James Harden became the first NBA player ever to drop a 30-point triple-double in his debut for a team. James Harden’s debut with the Brooklyn Nets was historic. James Harden made a concerted effort to play the team game in his Nets debut, but will he have the same attitude when Kyrie Irving returns? The sooner we can be on the court together, it's going to be scary hours. For him to get 14 assists, 12 rebounds for us at the point guard was key.”, Said Harris: “I think it’s exciting. James Harden starting in Nets' debut on Saturday January 16th, 2021 Brooklyn's James Harden available for Saturday's contest against Magic January 16th, 2021 James Harden will make his Brooklyn Nets debut on Saturday night, but the star guard made some sort of statement before he even set foot on the floor. I felt we all were overpassing, trying to make everybody comfortable. It was the beginning of a new era in Brooklyn. It's so easy for him, and I know that. James Harden is listed available to make his Brooklyn Nets debut tonight against the Magic. "Like I said, I'm very unselfish. The league allows for players who have been in the NBA's health and safety protocols to ramp up on-court action over a few days before returning to play in games. He made a steal off a Cole Anthony pass. “We had a pretty big simple size of him doing that [for] however many years in he’s been in the league. According to Anthony Puccio of The Association, if Harden has no positive coronavirus test until Saturday, he will be available for the game against the Magic. James Harden is the first player in NBA history with a 30-point triple-double in their debut with a team. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. “Basically no practice time, and figured it out on the fly. The Nets (7-6) host the Orlando Magic. Those stats don’t mean anything, I just try to do everything on the court in my ability to help the team win. Harden’s 14 dimes became the most in a debut game for the Nets franchise. There was no shortage of highlights plays and record-breaking numbers from The Beard's debut with the Nets but here's a look at a few early thoughts as Brooklyn registered a 122-115 home win over Orlando. Steve Nash addresses controversy with Kyrie Irving. James Harden wore a ridiculous outfit for his Nets debut. Harris said it will be especially difficult for opposing teams to defend all of the Nets’ offensive weapons. 39m Jake Trotter. Nets coach Steve Nash said Friday that he expected Harden to … Watch James Harden's highlights from his Nets debut James Harden (32 points) Highlights vs. Orlando Magic, 01/16/2021 Joe Harris had 17 points for the Nets (8 … I’m just glad we came away with a win, now we gotta get ready for the next game.”. Joe Harris added 17 points and Jeff Green 10 for Brooklyn (8-6). After a tumultuous last few months, James Harden is finally traded out of Houston in an epic four-team deal. “James, he played the same way he always played, to be honest,” Durant said. The Nets were without their third star Saturday, as Kyrie Irving was listed as out because of health and safety protocols, after missing the previous five games for personal reasons. James Harden began his Nets career with a 30-point triple-double. James Harden had 32 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds to become the first player ever with a 30-point triple-double in his debut for a new team. https://www.si.com/nba/2021/01/16/james-harden-nets-debut-vs-magic In his first game with the Brooklyn Nets, James Harden offered us a hint of the new role he could assume with his new team. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. James Harden is available to make his Brooklyn Nets debut Saturday night, the team announced.. He made a nifty dish to Harris for a layup. “It’s a good problem to have, trying to figure out how they can coexist to their highest level and standard. After saying Friday he planned to be more of a facilitator alongside his new teammates, Harden clearly looked to get his teammates involved early. When will James Harden play? He just got into his mode -- being aggressive to score opened up the game for all of us.". James Harden: Impressions from a record-breaking Brooklyn Nets debut. James Harden Nets debut could come as early as Saturday . That's so Browns: Cleveland fumble near goal line results in touchback. And he and his new franchise couldn’t have dreamed up a better beginning. It was glorious. James Harden’s passing stole the show in his 14-assist Nets debut. NEW YORK -- James Harden made history in his first game with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night, becoming the first NBA player to record a 30-point triple-double in his debut with a team. 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James Harden makes NBA history in Nets debut. Harden (30 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds) and Kevin Durant (42 points) led the Nets in scoring, accounting for over half of Brooklyn’s scoring — not to mention they combined for 19 assists. James Harden’s debut in Brooklyn wasn’t just victorious. Nets superstar James Harden reveled in his record-setting debut, while his coach heaped praise on the 2017-18 NBA MVP. He's not at his best condition yet. https://www.si.com/nba/2021/01/17/james-harden-nets-win-debut-triple-double Published January 16, 2021 James Harden stats, biggest takeaways, reaction to star’s Brooklyn Nets debut A change of scenery may have been the best thing to ever happen to James Harden … James Harden will make his Brooklyn Nets debut Saturday against the Orlando Magic, the team announced. Harden went for 32 points (8/18 shooting, 3/10 from beyond the arc), 12 rebounds and 14 assists, as the Nets defeated the Orlando Magic (115-122). It was glorious. Harden had 32 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds in the Nets' 122-115 win over the Orlando Magic. Nash said he looks forward to working Irving in when he's available to play again, calling it a "good problem to have, trying to figure out where they can coexist.". James Harden is available to make his Brooklyn Nets debut against the Orlando … James Harden made an immediate impact in his very first game with the Brooklyn Nets, tallying a triple-double in a 122-115 win over the visiting Orlando Magic. The five most fascinating things to watch in James Harden's Nets debut. Harden and Durant played together for three years in Oklahoma City. Harden not only set a franchise debut record in assists with 14, but he also became the first player in NBA … James Harden began his Nets career with a 30-point triple-double. However, they may have to wait a while longer as there is little chance that Harden will make his debut against the Magic on Saturday. “So I think it takes time, it’s going to be an adjustment for everyone but it’s an incredible problem to have and something that I think we’ll relish.”, Said Harden: “I’m so excited for Ky to get back, he’s a key piece to what we do...Hopefully next game we have Ky back and just keep this thing rolling.”, Adam Zagoria is a Basketball and Tennis insider who contributes to The New York Times, NJ Advance Media and newspapers nationwide.He is the author of two books and an. “Throwing Kyrie in the mix makes us better,” Nash said. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images). There was no shortage of highlights plays and record-breaking numbers from The Beard's debut with the Nets but here's a look at a few early thoughts as Brooklyn registered a 122-115 home win over Orlando. Asked what that all meant by Michael Grady of the YES Network, Harden said “Nothing, I’m just glad we came away with the win. The 'Big 3' era. On Friday, Harden was ineligible to practice with the Nets because all of the players involved in the trade had not passed their physical exams. James Harden is available to make his Brooklyn Nets debut Saturday night, the team announced. The chemistry, we can build that. He also had four steals, one block and nine turnovers in just under 40 minutes. James Harden delivered 32 points and a triple-double in his Brooklyn debut, Kevin Durant scored a season-high 42 points in his first game back with his former teammate, and the host Nets … Harden had 32 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds in the Nets' 122-115 win over the Orlando Magic. James Harden’s passing stole the show in his 14-assist Nets debut. He’s still not in his best condition yet, he’s joined a new group. "You can see him trying to figure the best way to play early on. Just a day after officially acquiring James Harden, the Nets believed he was ready to roll on Saturday night against the Magic. Coach Steve Nash called Harden a "world-class basketball player" after the game and said he expects him to get only better as the season goes along. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. James Harden kicked off his Brooklyn Nets career with a bang, Saturday night, during the … Also Read: James Harden Trade Details: All-Star Signs For Nets, Oladipo-LeVert Swapped In Epic Trade.