The Brooklyn Nets have played inconsistent basketball lately, which is understandable considering they are still trying to find their chemistry. Still, it appears that the team is on a good track to figure things out with their star-studded backcourt finally settling into their roles.
Kyrie Irving and James Harden have spent the majority of their careers at the point guard spot, which made their pairing in the backcourt a challenge. It was unclear who of the two All-Stars would handle the playmaking duties when they’re together on the court, and this confusion might have led to some underwhelming performances early on.
However, Irving recently revealed that the matter is resolved now and that Harden will be the Nets’ primary ball-handler.
“We established that maybe four days ago now,” said Irving following the 134-117 win against Golden State Warriors. “I just looked at him, and I said, ‘You’re the point guard, and I’m going to play shooting guard.’ That was as simple as that.”
Irving also praised Harden for his performances so far and explained that the 2018 NBA MVP has made his job on the court a lot easier since landing in Brooklyn in a blockbuster trade early in the season.
“It just makes my job easier to just go out and play free and just make plays,” Irving added.
James Harden has been thriving in his role as a point guard for the Nets so far, involving his teammates plenty and often. He has 11.6 assists per game since joining his new team, which enabled Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to thrive on the scoring end. Irving is currently averaging 27.6 points per game, while Durant is leading the Nets with 29 points on average.
The Nets are currently on a two-game winning streak and find themselves on No. 3 in the Eastern Conference. They are 16-12 and trail the leading Philadelphia 76ers by 2.5 games.
