During his time with the Houston Rockets, James Harden was viewed as one of the most prolific scorers in the league. He has won multiple scoring titles and an MVP due to his scoring ability.
However, when he moved to the Brooklyn Nets, James Harden adopted more of a point guard style of play, being the primary playmaker and facilitator for the team. Even though Harden has played phenomenally in that role last season, this year has required him to score more due to the absence of Kyrie Irving. He has struggled to score at a high-level night in and night out thus far.
Even with the inconsistencies in his scoring game this season, James Harden has had explosive scoring nights. Today, he erupted for 34 points against the New York Knicks. Harden credited a conversation with Reggie Miller for his night, claiming that Miller was “the one” to get him going.
James Harden says Reggie Miller motivated him before tonight's game vs. the Knicks:
"Reggie's the one that got me going. Ultimate confidence, ultimate 'best player in the league'-type vibe. That mindset. Just hit me with some good motivation before the game – something I needed" pic.twitter.com/FmaqqalEUC
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) December 1, 2021
“Reggie’s the one that got me going. He got me going for sure. Ultimate confidence, ultimate ‘best player in the league’-type vibe. That mindset. Just hit me with some good motivation before the game – something I needed”
We’ve often seen former players lift up current players when they are struggling, and this seems to be the case here. James Harden talked about having a “best player in the league” vibe, and that is the James Harden that the Brooklyn Nets will need this season. He has been considered the best player in the world before, and he still has all the skills that got him there.
There is no doubt that the Brooklyn Nets have been successful thus far, even without the presence of Kyrie Irving. They are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they look like a contender thus far. Kevin Durant and James Harden make up a really dangerous duo, and the Brooklyn Nets have solid veterans like LaMarcus Aldridge around them. They have a chance to win the championship this year, and while they haven’t been the best team this regular season, they shouldn’t be counted out.
