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Fresh off a win in Kyrie Irving's return, a 129-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers, Kevin Durant, James Harden and company were back in Brooklyn to host the reigning champs, the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jrue Holiday was out, in health and safety protocols. For the Nets, of course, Kyrie Irving was out for the game in New York City, as was Joe Harris, still a few weeks away after undergoing ankle surgery.
Down an All-Star caliber point guard, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer turned to role players like Bobby Portis. The Arkansas product had 20 points at the half, and provided a spark. Portis finished with 25 points, and 12 rebounds.
Kevin Durant had 29 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He would have had more but his night ended early since the score wasn't too close down the stretch.
James Harden was the lesser version of himself fans have seen way too many times this year. When the team has played the cream of the crop competition-wise, Harden has tended to struggle significantly.
It's expected he will benefit from Irving's ability to space the floor. But Irving won't be out there in Brooklyn. And this version of Harden at Barclays makes the Nets look vulnerable. One could sense Giannis Antetokounmpo thinking ahead towards the playoffs and playing this team in this building without Irving. The reigning NBA Finals MVP had a game high 31 points, suggesting he isn't exactly scared of that scenario.
James Harden filled up the box score with 16 points, nine rebounds and seven dimes. But he was just 6-of-15 and a -20 in the game.
What has it been like trying to compete since the Nets returned a record 10 players from health and safety protocols?
“A little frustrating,” admitted Harden after the game Friday. “Just can't get it together.”
How is Harden feeling physically, from his minute total, to coming back from COVID?
“I feel good. I'm good. It's about the team, honestly. I want to play good.”
Was it strange having Irving the other night, then not having him in this one?
“Nah, it wasn't strange,” said The Beard, “it felt good honestly to have him back.You know it felt good, felt like a extra life that we had. But we gotta live with what we're dealt with. And that's home games, we gotta figure ways, even road games, just cause Ky is on the road with us, don't mean it's gonna be easy for us as well.”
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"It felt good, felt like a extra life that we had. But we gotta live with what we're dealt… that's home games, we gotta figure ways, even road games, just cause Ky is on the road with us, don't mean it's gonna be easy for us as well."
-Harden on Irving's part-time return— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) January 8, 2022
Do you talk to Kyrie about how much the team needs him?
“He knows that,” said Harden. “He knows that.” He repeated the three-word sentiment four times as a reporter continued.
Do you talk to Irving at all about getting the vaccine?
“Nah,” said Harden.
Do you talk to [Kyrie Irving] at all about 'hey, we need you'?
"He knows that."
Do you talk to him at all about vaccination?
"Nah."
James Harden fielding questions about Kyrie Irving. pic.twitter.com/tFDov6kbh6— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) January 8, 2022
Those who have covered Harden in the past, may sympathize with how often James has had to deal with these types of questions this season. Questions about epidemiology and your Nets teammate's stance on preventative medicine or mandates probably don't make a tough conference loss versus a rival at the crib any easier to stomach.
I don’t blame him https://t.co/0IrGEhYvX7
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) January 8, 2022
If the Nets wind up with home court in the playoffs, they'll need to win games like the one they lost tonight against an elite team without Irving. Neither team was at full strength here but if they were, the Bucks would have Holiday available and the Nets would still have no Kyrie.
Like James Harden says, Irving knows he's missed. Badly. And the Nets know that whether Irving is in or out, they need to be better than they were on Friday, Harden especially.
