Nets Insider Videos
Nets' highlight reel fastbreak finished by thunderous Kevin Durant slam dunk
It takes quite a bit to get a two-time champion and two-time NBA finals MVP giddy, but after the monster slammer, Durant was juiced upon finding the beautiful feed off the backboard from Mike James. There will be plenty more big playoff moments ahead, but the second quarter run out started by Blake Griffin's behind the back pass will be in the running for highlight of the year in the NBA.BASKETBALL IS MAGIC!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/hN16MoEVUC
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 17, 2021
Nets rule James Harden out to rest hamstring in regular season finale against Cavs
The Nets star guard won't play in the second half of back to back games as Sean Marks, Steve Nash and company play the long game and leave no healing injuries to chance. Brooklyn still has a chance to hold down the two spot, but the Bucks would need to lose to the Bulls to assure the Nets stay at No. 2 Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will lead the charge for Brooklyn and they'll need to be on point to carry the team into the playoffs riding a five game win streak..@Grady has the latest, including an update on James Harden, ahead of tonight's regular-season finale against the Cavs. pic.twitter.com/buKy3pRTE2
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 16, 2021
James Harden can shatter Nets' franchise record for triple-doubles in a season set by this legendary PG
Kidd played in a different era with the Nets Big three alongside Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, but the NBA's emphasis was still on post play and hard nosed defense at that time. During his two franchise record-setting seasons Kidd play in 80 games each compared to Harden's only 36 games played this year. Kidd never had the caliber of supporting cast that Harden holds claim to, but then again Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have only played alongside him in eight total contests. With the most prolific collection of talent the Nets have ever had, Harden has been an absolute game-changer and a triple-double Sunday would be another accolade added to his storied, yet underappreciated NBA career.👻 pic.twitter.com/DWSFRtf02j
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 15, 2021
NBA's leader in 3-point percentage, Nets' Joe Harris out until the playoffs
Nets head coach Steve Nash revealed that Harris will be sidelined with a gluteal strain until the playoffs start. The Nets are overloaded with lethal perimeter shooters, but not a single player on the team nor in the entire league is as accurate as Joe Harris. Harris is shooting a scorching hot 47.5 percent from beyond the arc. One of the few remaining players from the Kenny Atkinson era in Brooklyn, Harris has garnered recognition and praise from teammates both current and former for his selfless attitude and sound fundamental play. If Brooklyn hopes to come out on top in the NBA playoffs, Harris will need to be front and center.Steve Nash met with the media this morning to to analyze his team success with so many different lineups over the year and for the upcoming playoffs.#NETSonYES pic.twitter.com/5mEFyCLVco
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 15, 2021
Kevin Durant goes 2-for-11 in first half against Bulls, Nets in front 61-51
Nets' big three expected to play Saturday versus Bulls
Sixers' magic number to clinch top seed in East still at one, Nets hope Magic strikes twice
James Harden should win NBA's MVP Award after transforming Nets into title favorites
It's the Larry O'Brien Trophy that has eluded Harden throughout his legendary 13-year career. Critics pick apart his offensive game calling him too isolation-heavy with his usage rate through the roof when he was in Houston. Detractors of Harden's game compare his defensive effort and intensity to a matador and question his willingness to play both ends of the floor.
Upon his trade to Brooklyn, after an unceremonious departure from the Rockets, Harden instantly transformed a Nets squad that was hovering barely above .500 with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in and out of the lineup, into instant title favorites. The Nets gaining separation from the rest of the Eastern Conference pack has been largely on the Harden's shoulders as he sacrificed a great deal of his scoring mentality to take on more of a distributor role.
Averaging 11 assists, 8.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals to go along with 25.1 points on 47.1 perecnt of the field, Harden is playing the best overall basketball of his career. With all due respect to Jason Kidd, Harden is playing at a higher level than any player to ever don a Nets uniform during their NBA era. Harden is not only a triple-double threat, but he is making an impact in every aspect of the game. The point guard is making high level decisions with the basketball on the fly, while showcasing an active voice on the floor and in the locker room to put his teammates in the best position to succeed. Extrapolate Harden's numbers over 6o or more games with the Nets, and Brooklyn might very well have the NBA's top record and the perennial All-Star would be well on his way to a second MVP Award.