NBA Notebook: Triple double delight for James Harden on Houston return
James Harden enjoyed a memorable return to his old franchise after securing a triple double and helping Brooklyn Nets record a win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
James Harden spent eight years as a player for Rockets and was a big name among the fans but a determination to win the NBA trophy among other reasons led him to depart in the early part of this season.
His departure was not on a good note, with Harden criticizing the team and labelling them not good enough just days before making the switch.
Following Rockets’ blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Harden publicly criticized the team saying: “I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can… I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed”.
He was also fined $50,000 for violating the NBA’s health and safety protocols, but has proved pivotal for the Brooklyn Nets since making the switch.
It didn’t take too long for James Harden to became the first since Stephon Marbury to score 30 points and make 15 assists in a game. He has also two NBA player of the week recognition while at Brooklyn Nets.
James Harden followed up his incredible form by posting 29 points, recording 10 REB and 14 assists to power the Brooklyn Nets to a 132-114 win over the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets, leading to the game, shared a touching video via their official Twitter handle to appreciate Harden’s eight year spell at the franchise, while the player himself was pictured interacting with his former teammates.
Rockets give James Harden a touching tribute video 🙏
What an amazing 8 years.
(via @HoustonRockets)pic.twitter.com/24uM6oEeax
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 4, 2021
The win means that the Brooklyn Nets have now won their last two match ups following their 113-124 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, are going through a very rough patch, having lost 13 consecutive games this season and in 14th place on the Western Conference table.
March 3, Final Scores/Leaders:
Pacers – 114 Cavaliers – 111
Brogdon: 29 Pts. McConnell: 13 Asts. Sabonis: 5 Rebs./Sexton: 32 Pts. Sexton: 10 Asts. Allen: 11 Rebs.
Jazz – 123 Sixers – 131
Mitchell: 33 Pts. Mitchell: 6 Asts. O’Neale: 10 Rebs./Embiid: 40 Pts. Simmons: 6 Asts. Embiid: 19 Rebs.
Pistons – 129 Raptors – 105
Ellington: 25 Pts. Smith Jr.: 11 Asts. Smith Jr.: 12 Rebs./Powell: 36 Pts. Lowry: 6 Asts. Boucher: 8 Rebs.
Nets – 132 Rockets – 114
Harden: 29 Pts. Harden: 14 Asts. Harden: 10 Rebs./Wall: 36 Pts. Wall: 5 Asts. Tate: 10 Rebs.
Hawks – 115 Magic – 112
Young: 32 Pts. Young: 8 Asts. Gallinari: 9 Rebs./Vucevic: 29 Pts. Carter-Williams: 6 Asts. Vucevic: 9 Rebs.
Hornets – 135 Timberwolves – 102
Rozier: 31 Pts. Hayward: 9 Asts. Bridges: 10 Rebs./Rubio: 20 Pts. Rubio: 9 Asts. Towns: 15 Rebs.
Bulls – 128 Pelicans – 124
LaVine: 36 Pts. LaVine: 8 Asts. Carter Jr.: 15 Rebs./Williamson: 28 Pts. Bledsoe: 10 Asts. Williamson: 9 Rebs.
Thunder – 78 Mavericks – 87
Gilgeous-Alexander: 15 Pts. Gilgeous-Alexander: 3 Asts. Bazley: 10 Rebs./Porzingis: 19 Pts. Burke: 6 Asts. Porzingis: 13 Rebs.
Warriors – 106 Blazers – 108
Curry: 35 Pts. Green: 12 Asts. Green: 9 Rebs./Lillard: 22 Pts. Lillard: 6 Asts. Kanter: 14 Rebs.
Lakers – 120 Kings – 123
Schroder: 28 Pts. Schroder: 9 Asts. Harrell: 13 Rebs./Hield: 29 Pts. Fox: 8 Asts. Holmes: 9 Rebs.
