James Harden found himself back to lead the Nets victory at the Pelicans pavilion 120-112. ‘La Barba’, who was starring in a fairly discreet start to the season, shone with 39 points, 12 assists and 5 rebounds, being his best performance to date.
The Brooklyn star hit an 11 of 18 from the field and a 6 of 10 from 3-pointers to record a +17 on the court. New Yorkers have won seven of their last eight games and are 9-4 in the East.
“He was aggressive all night getting to the free throw line,” Durant admitted of Harden’s performance. “He did a great job tonight controlling the pace of the game,” he added.
Durántula contributed 28 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds; and an unleashed Joe Harris contributed 24 points with a remarkable 6 of 8 on triples.
On the losing side, Willie Green’s guys still can’t get up with a 0-6 at home and nine straight losses that have taken them deep into the West. Center Jonas Valanciunas was the most outstanding with 20 points and 12 rebounds; and up to five of his teammates would contribute double-digit scoring: Garrett Temple (17); Nickeil Alexander-Walker (16); Devonte ‘Graham (14); Josh Hart (13) and Herbert Jones (11).
It’s being really tough, man. We are always falling short in what we are doing, “admitted Willie Green. “As much as I am proud of my boys, I am disappointed because we lost again,” he acknowledged.
Zion, off until December?
And if the Pelicans don’t lift their heads, neither does their star Zion Williamson. According to the latest information handled by the medium ESPN, the power forward would not return to the pitch until next December after suffering a broken foot.
Who is also not present is his partner Brandon Ingram due to problems in his hip, although the projections for his return are much more optimistic. “You keep feeling better and better. It’s very promising, ”Green said.
Last season Williamson averaged 27 points and Ingram 25 points per game. The Pelicans are missing that little shot for more wins. “We keep saying that we have 50 points in the bank. But it doesn’t matter who is on the track. We have enough talent and if we play in the right way, we can win. It would be different again if we lost by 25 or 30 points, but that is not happening, “concluded Temple.
(Cover photo: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)
