After a blockbuster four-team trade busted James Harden out of Houston and sent the star guard to Brooklyn, the only remaining question was how he’d mesh with Kevin Durant, his former teammate in Oklahoma City.
The early indications are good. Harden, in his Nets debut Saturday, scored 32 points and added 14 assists and 11 rebounds. Durant recorded 42 points during the 122-115 win against the Orlando Magic.
James Harden’s debut with the Nets:
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 17, 2021
32 Pts
12 Reb
14 Ast
4 Stl
1 Blk
A new era in Brooklyn 👏 pic.twitter.com/KB3OVDTpo0
Harden’s time with the Rockets came to an ugly end, resulting in the trade. Brooklyn received Harden but shipped Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen to the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively. Houston received a slew of draft picks, plus Victor Oladipo from the Pacers.
Before the deal was officially announced, Durant declined to comment on Harden joining him in Brooklyn. But when asked what it was like playing with Harden while they both were with the Thunder, Durant admitted “it was fun.”
The pair seemed to have fun Saturday night, scoring in bunches against the Magic in a win. The Nets are 8-6 but appear to have the pieces that can make the team a significant threat in the East. Plus, when — or if — Kyrie Irving returns from a sabbatical for personal reasons, Brooklyn will have an impressive big three.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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