James Harden acknowledged that things aren't going as planned this year in Brooklyn during a post game press conference following Tuesday night's loss to the Lakers at Barclays Center. With injuries to starters Kevin Durant, Joe Harris and floor leader Kyrie Irving eligible for only home games, Harden's been left with a makeshift supporting cast that has not only played limited court time together, but is comprised mostly of defensive oriented players.
Harden recorded his ninth triple-double of the season on Tuesday with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assist, while Patty Mills with 15 and DeAndre Bembry with 12, were the only other players to reach double figures in scoring.
"Of course I'm frustrated because we're not healthy. It's a lot of inconsistency for whatever reason - injuries, COVID, whatever you want to call it...I don't know reports. If you don't hear from me, then it's reports. I'm frustrated because I want to win" - James Harden pic.twitter.com/zBHirZ6eoZ
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) January 26, 2022
Head coach Steve Nash started rookies Kessler Edwards and Day'Ron Sharpe, but they combined for only nine points on the night.
Nash has been experimenting with different lineup combinations throughout the season, but with the Nets now 6-8 to start 2022 and sinking in the Eastern Conference rankings, there has to come a time where a consistent rotation can help build familiarity and continuity among the group.
Harden scoffed at some of the details outlined in the Bleacher Report story, indicating that if the words didn't come from him then they are exactly what they've been classified as, reports.
Harden also indicated that the frustration he's experiencing about the team's overall health and issues with consistency is a feeling that is shared organizationally.
Time will tell whether this frustration continues to mount leading up to and after the All-Star break. After all, winning does cure all and if the Nets get the three starters they're missing: Durant, Harris and Irving in a full-time capacity back in time for the playoffs, Harden's discontentment with the overall direction of the season can take a seismic shift in the right direction.
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