James Harden was in a giving mood in his debut for the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Facing the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center, The Beard recorded 14 dimes midway through the fourth period ā setting a new franchise record for assists.
James Harden has set a new franchise record for assists in a debut with the Nets. He has 14 midway through the fourth quarter.
ā Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 17, 2021
James Harden's record-setting Nets dime came off a beautiful kick out to his fellow superstar Kevin Durant for the wide-open trey. The one-time MVP attracted several Magic defenders on the way to the cup, before locating KD on the wings for the easy bucket to give the home team a comfortable cushion.
James Harden with a franchise record FOURTEEN assists in his Nets debut ššš pic.twitter.com/2JEoSqGHuj
ā Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 17, 2021
ESPN's Malika Andrews, reporting on the Nets, also confirmed that Harden became the first player in NBA history to record a 30-point triple-double in their debut with a new team.
James Harden has become the first player in NBA history to record a 30-point triple double in their debut with a team.
And Kevin Durant has 42 points.
ā Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 17, 2021
Harden's Nets career, meanwhile, is off to a beautiful start.Ā His brilliant triple-double performance of 32 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds helped Brooklyn turn back the pesky Magic team, 122-115. The 8-time All-Star shot 8-for-18 from the field including three 3-pointers. The 6-foot-6 guard even went to work on defense collecting four steals in 40 minutes.
He certainly made things a lot easier for Kevin Durant, who torched the Magic for 42 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 40 minutes.Ā Harden's Nets debut, meanwhile, is indeed a statement game for all his critics. The 31-year-old megastar has been blasted by the media and fans for the way he handled that trade request with the Houston Rockets.
The Beard has often been labeled as a selfish player in the past. Some even question how he'll fit alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving (when he returns). It looks like Harden is taking notes and made sure to his detractors with that fine performance for the Nets, as Brooklyn begins the long journey toward the NBA playoffs with its reconfigured, superstar-laden roster under first-year head coach Steve Nash.