On January 23, Beijing time, in an NBA regular season ending today, the Nets lost to the Cavaliers 113 to 125. They lost to their opponents for the second time in 3 days. They have been double-killed so far this season. It is very embarrassing that since Irving's comeback, he played two games on behalf of the Nets, and the Nets lost all of the two games.
Not only that, since Irving’s comeback, it can be clearly seen that the other players of the Nets have been severely affected. Maybe everyone will think of Harden. In the last 2 games, Harden made 6 of 14 shots in a game. He scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists, and scored 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists on 6 of 14 shots. He made only 28 shots in total. The statistics and offensive performance are indeed incomparable to when he first came to the Nets. But in fact, Irving's comeback, the player most affected is not Harden.
Strictly speaking, Nets forward Joe Harris is the one who has been severely affected. In this game, Harris started 31 minutes, made 3 of 9 shots and 2 of 7 three-pointers. He only scored 8 points and 7 rebounds. In the previous game, Harris also made only 2 of 10 shots and three-pointers. He made 2 of 7 shots and only got 6 points and 9 rebounds. During Irving's comeback and the Nets' 2-game losing streak, Harris made only 5 of 19 shots and 4 of 14 3-pointers, and scored 2 consecutive games without double figures. What is even more embarrassing is that he has played 17 games this season. Before that, he only scored 1 game without double figures. The result is now 2 consecutive games.
In the offseason, the Nets and Harris reached a four-year 75 million contract extension. The Nets regarded the 18-19 All-Star three-pointer as an important battle. Crown puzzle, and he did show his strength this season, so far this season, Harris has averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists, shooting 50% from the field and 48.1% from the three-point field. Note that if it weren't for the last two games that dragged down the shooting rate, his shooting rate and offensive efficiency would be even more terrifying.
At the same time, it is worth mentioning that Harden had just joined the Nets in the first two games before Irving’s comeback.Harris's state was so hot that he exploded. In the game against the Magic, he made 6 of 11 shots, 4 of 9 three-pointers, 17 points and 5 rebounds; against the Bucks, Harris shot 7 of 12 shots. He made 5 of 7 3-pointers and scored 20 points and 6 rebounds. He and Harden and Durant looked like a perfect match. Because of the accurate three-pointers and good defense, some people even called Harris Klay Thompson of the Nets. .
But looking at Harris' performance in the last two games, there is a shadow of Thompson. He is praised by Danny Green of the Nets. Why did Harris suddenly perform so badly? Many people think it is Irving’s problem. After all, Harris was in a brave state when Irving did not come back. As soon as Irving came back, Harris seemed to be abolished. This statement is a bit too absolute, but it also makes sense.
In fact, Harris’s decline is mainly related to the defensive end of the physical consumption is too serious, because the Nets’ defense is too poor now, the inside line is confirmed, it is often necessary for forwards like Harris to run inside to grab rebounds and a lot of physical energy. Consumption will affect the feel of the shooter. Harris' downturn is actually a result of accumulated fatigue. It started from the moment the Nets traded to Harden. At least Irving's comeback caused the Nets' defense to become worse and accelerated Harris' consumption.
Therefore, it can be said that if the Nets do not solve the defensive problem and need Harris to fight the inside and help Owen and others wipe his butt, it may be difficult for him to recover his former bravery.
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