After James Harden hit his seventh triple-double since joining the Brooklyn Nets in a 124-113 extra time for the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, teammate Kyrie Irving didn’t catch his eye.
“We have to implement the phrase ‘get used to it,’” Irving said with a smile.
Irving was not surprised that Harden – according to research from the Elias Sports Bureau – became the first player to record 30 points, 15 assists and at least 10 rebounds with zero turnover since the first individual turnover was tracked in 1977-78. Harden finished with 14 rebounds in the night.
“When James is James,” said Irving, “it makes our job a lot easier. And so we have to get used to someone so special, that sort of thing in terms of breaking records. him, my name in Nets history – and all the guys on our team where we just break records as a team, and then individually we stack up with some of the best we’ve ever played. ”
According to research from ESPN Stats & Information, seven triple-doubles is also the highest number in a season by a Nets player since Jason Kidd had 12 in 2007-08.
After making six turns in the Nets’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Harden promised to be more careful with the basketball.
“If I’m the point guard,” Harden said Monday, “and my teammates and coaching staff give me the responsibility of handling the basketball, then I really have to do a good job with my passes, make them accurate and not just give them. way points. “
After running 10-0 on Monday-evening, the Spurs were able to force extra innings on a buzzer-beater from Dejounte Murray.
The Nets were up double digits with just under four minutes in regulation before letting Spurs get going. Harden said he was satisfied with the Nets’ reorientation into overtime.
“We hear all the talk that we are not a very good defensive team,” said Harden. “We pick that up, and we find ways to get better.”
The Nets have one game left before the All-Star break – Wednesday against the Houston Rockets. It is also the first time that Harden will take on his former team.
“We are excited to play basketball, going back to where James had a great career,” said Irving. “I’m looking forward to the experience, looking forward to having fun. It’s going to be very competitive, a lot of great players, no animosity on the field: just greatness to see.”
Irving added, “Everyone at home enjoy the game, there will be no thrills and no talk, on the field or about James in front of me or anyone else. So we’re coming to Houston to enjoy. of the game of basketball and playing it at a high level on behalf of James and the rest of the boys, because we know it’s a special night anyway. ”