When Kyrie Irving and James Harden take the court together sans Kevin Durant in the lineup, the dynamic backcourt has won nearly 82 percent of the games over the last two seasons.
You heard it right. A record of 18-4 to be exact. A superb mark for a lethal combination of playmaking, scoring prowess and ankle-breaking handles. Durant is not expected back until after the All-Star break at the absolute earliest, but it's far from panic time in Brooklyn.
Irving and Harden combined for 26 points in a fourth quarter barrage in San Antonio 117-102 win on Friday, marking the first time the Nets beat the Spurs back-to-back times on the road and the fifth consecutive win overall in a head-to-head matchup historically dominated by the Spurs.
Kyrie Irving on what led to his strong 4th quarter vs. San Antonio tonight:
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) January 22, 2022
"James yelled at me - 'Kai, get the f-ing ball'" in the 3rd quarter...so I kind of took that personal and wanted to come out in the 4th quarter with an aggressive mindset" pic.twitter.com/1rb1tae95F
Harden's 37 point, 11 assist and 10 rebound triple-double is his eighth 30-point plus triple double during his Nets' tenure. To put that in perspective, since the team's inception in 1967, all Nets' players have combined to produce 12 such triple-doubles. Harden is two-thirds of the way to shattering a franchise mark in less than two seasons with the team.
Truly remarkable.
Irving was not exactly a slouch either pouring in 24, with the same silky smooth attacks to the rim and elusive handles he's showcased throughout his NBA career. Even with Irving available on a part-time basis, for now, the Nets are in good hands with him playing alongside Harden.
In fact, Brooklyn now holds claim to the East's top record with Chicago and Miami dealing with a bevy of injuries of late.
James Harden's reaction to LaMarcus Aldridge & Patty Mills' tribute video in San Antonio tonight?
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) January 22, 2022
"It was better than my video, I could tell you that. I almost wanted to cry with them" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/x1FWQgDQJq
Brooklyn will travel to Minnesota Sunday as the dynamic duo of Harden and Irving will lead the charge, but starting Tuesday the Nets host consecutive games with the Lakers and Nuggets where The Beard will need to play at an MVP level to elevate his supporting cast and keep the good times rolling in Brooklyn.
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