On January 18, Beijing time, the Nets began a four-in-a-row trip. The first game was played by Cleveland, Irving vs. the old club Cavaliers. Although Durant is absent due to injury, the Nets still have 2 superstars Irving + Harden, and they still have an advantage against the Cavaliers. But what about the end result? The Nets lost the first game, and Harden "contributed" a fatal mistake. It can be said that this game is the epitome of the team's season, and it is difficult to win the game.
To make matters worse, Harden was hit in the thigh during the game, but the situation was fine, nash also said: he felt okay, believed he would be fine, I believe he can get out of trouble. After losing to the Cavaliers, the Nets traveled to Washington to challenge the Wizards on the road next. Nets 2 straight losses? Harden took the Wizards with injuries, Irving pestered Dinwiddie, and the Lakers 3 veteran broke out to win.
Harden injured the Wizards
Against the Cavaliers, Harden played 40 minutes and 25 seconds, 5 of 12 shooting, 4 of 4 three-pointers, 22 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 turnovers, plus-minus -18, the least efficient player on the team. However, today's Nets can't do without Harden, without his organization and tandem, Sharp, Thomas, edwards will not play at all, this is the harsh reality. So far this season, Ha has played 37 minutes on the field, ranking second in the league.
In the next game against the Wizards, Harden will have to play with injuries, which is not easy. Irving has just returned, his personal competitive status has not yet fully recovered, and the tacit understanding with his teammates is not enough. In this wave of 4 consecutive road trips, the Nets must count on Harden's play if they want to win. Can Harden, who came out with injuries, save the momentum and avoid 2 consecutive defeats?
Owen pestered Dinwiddie
The Nets played against the Wizards, and also the Wizards' core guard Dinwiddie's game against his old club. After Harden joined the Nets, management did not intend to trade Dinwiddie, but to let him stay on the team to recuperate. However, Dinwiddie was reluctant to stay with the Nets as a backup point guard, so he joined the Wizards and became the core of the team. This season, he has averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 40% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range.
The two teams are at war, with Dinwiddie and Irving in opposition, and teammates who fought side by side are now rivals. Irving had 27 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists on 12-of-23 shooting in the Cavaliers' game, plus-minus +14, making him the most efficient player on the team. Two people fight, who contributes more, whose team will have a greater probability of winning.
Lakers 3 old will burst out to win
Against the Wizards, the Nets need to be especially wary of the lakers' 3 veterans' outbursts. Just today, the Wizards beat the 76ers, the Lakers 3 veteran played very well, Kuzma played 29 minutes, 6 of 13 shooting, 15 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists, plus or minus +19. Pop played 29 minutes, shooting 6-of-15, with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, plus-minus +20. Harrell played 21 minutes off the bench, shooting 6-of-9, with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assist, plus or minus +9.
Due to the presence of these three players, Yamura, Neto and Thomas Bryant, who started last season, can only shine on the bench now. This also shows that the Wizards' lineup depth is still very scary. In this regard, the Nets are still far inferior to the Wizards, especially the competition on the bench.
Just today, according to NBA star Marc Stein, a growing number of league executives believe that the 76ers are going all out to complete a complex deal this summer to bring Harden to Philadelphia and Bency to Brooklyn. This season is the final window period for the Nets Big Three to win the championship, and once the championship fails, the Big Three is likely to disband this summer, and the 76ers will be Harden's best next home. Ben Simmons' partnering with Irving and Durant is also a good option, able to provide better defense and not lose Harden in terms of organization and tandem. In the next game against the Wizards, Harden does not play a 30+ triple-double performance, and 2 consecutive defeats may be the final result.