On December 12, Beijing time, according to reporter Marc Stein, the Nets will decide to take a break against the team's main guard James Harden at tomorrow's game with the Pistons. The Nets then officially confirmed the news.
Harden has maintained full attendance so far this season, starting 26 games for the Nets, averaging 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists, 1.4 steals per game, and hitting 2.5 three-pointers per game. With his help, the Nets are currently in first place in the East with an 18-8 record. He has averaged 36.2 minutes per game this season, ranking sixth in the league.
The Nets have played in three games in the past four days, and Harden has played more than 120 minutes. The Nets, in the game against the Lone Rangers and Hawks, both fell behind in the first three quarters, completed the reversal to win the game. Harden played the entire quarter in the fourth quarter without any breaks, and he was called the team's iron man. Durant, another star on the team, has averaged 36.3 minutes per game this season, tied for 3rd in the league with multiple players. He has had a rotation break in the game against the Rockets. In this game, under the circumstances of Harden's single core, the Nets eventually broke the opponent on the road and saw the opponent win 7 consecutive times.
After yesterday's game against the Hawks, head coach Nash talked about Harden's more than 40 minutes of playing time and the fact that he has not missed a game so far in the season. He said Harden just wants to play and prepare for every game, so Harden never argues with himself about resting. Harden also accomplished a major feat against the Hawks, becoming the first player in league history to score 20,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, 5,000 assists and 2,500 three-pointers, ushering in his own milestone.
Faced with the Pistons, who are not strong and are currently suffering 11 consecutive defeats and ranking at the bottom of the East, it is a good decision to take a turn off Harden. With Irving in the middle of an indefinite departure, the Nets need Durant and Harden to continue to output and carry the team on their shoulders. Proper load management of the team will help Durant and Harden have a better competitive posture.
With Harden confirmed to take a break tomorrow, six players in the Nets will not be able to play against the Pistons. In addition to Harden, they are Millsap (for personal reasons), Joe Harris (left ankle injury), Edwards (delegated to the Development League), Sharp (delegated to the Development League), and Irving (unvaccinated).
(Text/Yuwen Basketball)