Nets vs. Bucks: 3 things we learned from Brooklyn’s close win
Just a short bit ago, it seemed like the Brooklyn Nets were in trouble. Between dropping four out of five games, losing Kevin Durant to COVID-19 health and safety protocols and Kyrie Irving’s personal leave, the team was trending in the wrong direction. But between Durant’s return and the arrival of James Harden, Brooklyn finds itself in the midst of a four-game winning streak after knocking off the Milwaukee Bucks in Saturday’s 125-123 finish.
But change will continue to come in Brooklyn with Irving expected to return to practice on Tuesday ahead of the Nets’ trip to Cleveland.
Before moving on to Wednesday’s matchup with the Cavs, here are three things we learned from Monday’s win:
Role guys finding their groove
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Joe Harris dropped 20 on Bucks Monday, going 7-for-12 from the floor (5-for-7 from deep) and 5-for-7 at the free-throw line. Jeff Green scored 14 points and, like Harris, grabbed six rebounds. DeAndre Jordan had his first double-double of the year, finishing with 12 points and rebounds. Brooklyn lost some important parts of their supporting cast in the Harden trade, but these three, along with Bruce Brown (eight points and six rebounds), remain crucial role players for the Nets. Monday is the type of game winning teams get a lift from those types of players -- and none of them disappointed.
James Harden has no problem owning his turnover problem
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After turning the ball over nine times against the Magic, Harden led the Nets again with six against the Magic.
"I got to do a better job of controlling the game [and] not turning the basketball over," Harden said on a Zoom call with reporters after Monday's win. "I think we're one of the best teams when we actually get a shot up. I got to do a better job of that, but that just comes with time, comes with spacing, comes with knowing the offense."
Durant -- who has had his share of turnover issues to start the season -- dropped down to three on Monday, so time may truly be the only thing Harden needs.
"First game we have over 15 turnovers, tonight we have 17 -- and I had six of them," Harden said. "Some of them careless, some of them not knowing where guys need to be. I can control that because the ball is in my hands and I'm controlling the ball the majority of the game."
Kyrie Irving's return will say more about him than anyone else
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A win against the Magic is one thing, but knocking off the Bucks is another. Brooklyn is riding its first winning streak of the season, and Irving has not played a part in it.
"It's a huge win for us," Harden said. "It's our second game together and we haven't had one practice."
Yes, he did help the Nets knock off the Utah Jazz without Durant. That was a big one. But with Harden now the No. 2 in Brooklyn and the Nets still rolling, all eyes will be on Irving if there's a shift in direction when he returns.
