James Harden and Kevin Durant combined to drop 67 points on the Pelicans in Friday night’s win, as Harden continues his rise back to superstar level on the offensive end.
So, with Harden looking closer to his usual self, while Durant has been putting up historic numbers himself, what can opposing defenses do to slow them down?
“Pray,” Harden laughed when asked that question.
Harden followed by saying he was joking, but there really isn’t much that can be done. Harden poured in 39 points on Friday, while Durant chipped in 28, his 13th straight game to open the season with at least 20 points, the only player in franchise history to accomplish that. Durant currently leads the NBA in scoring, while Harden is now shooting 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from deep over his last four games. Durant’s numbers over his last four games are even more ludicrous, and there doesn’t seem to be much hope to stop Brooklyn’s offense when they’re both humming, as it also opens up the floor for the Nets’ other shooters.
“It’s always good for our team when we’re aggressive like that, because we can create so much getting into the paint,” Durant said. “But to be honest, Joe Harris started us off…he set the tone with his scoring, and we just fed off of him.”
Of course, Harden and Durant are the true catalysts, and both are looking like their peak selves in recent games, which spells doom for opposing teams tasked with trying to slow them down.
Perhaps a prayer really is the only course of action.
“It’s difficult, man,” Harden said. “We’re two unselfish basketball players. We’re versatile. Kevin is known for his efficient scoring, but he’s also a willing passer, especially when there’s double teams and things like that. It’s difficult to guard him and it’s difficult to guard me, especially when we’ve got it going.”
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