After Kyrie Irving went down in Game 4 for the Brooklyn Nets, everyone expected Kevin Durant to carry the burden by himself for Game 5.
While the Nets All-Star forward did exactly that, stunning the Milwaukee Bucks with a 49-point performance of a lifetime, James Harden surprisingly suited up right beside him. The Beard spoke out about how he went from street clothes to playing 46 minutes in a crucial contest.
“Game 5, I woke up and was like, ‘let's go,’” Harden said. “I tried to go out there and do the best I can. Hopefully, I gave my teammates some encouragement, some life. Obviously, I wanted to score the basketball and do what I normally do, but it is what it is. We win and we watch film, get our rest and prepare for Game 6.”
The Nets guard was clearly playing hobbled, finishing with just one field goal in 10 attempts, but you can't argue that his mere presence helped Brooklyn feel less overwhelmed against a formidable Bucks side with a former MVP of their own.
“I didn’t expect to play so 46 [minutes] is a lot, but I’m built for it,” boasted the Nets guard. “Get some rest and get my proper treatment. Credit to our trainers. They have been doing an unbelievable job of preparing me so get some rest and give it another shot Game 6 and try to come up with the same results.”
The Nets likely won't get another 49-point effort from Kevin Durant on Milwaukee's home floor in Game 6. But look for James Harden to be much improved with another couple of days of rest.
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