
via Imago
Dec 25, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

via Imago
Dec 25, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
James Harden has been creating a quiet storm this season. Being the most consistent player for a Nets team that includes the likes of stars such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Harden has emerged as the leader for the franchise whenever Durant and Irving are unavailable.
This has been the situation for him off late as KD sits out with injury and Kyrie being able to play only in away games.

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 4, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) dribbles as Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
In their most recent matchup, the Nets paid a visit to Phoenix, where they faced off against a Suns team led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker. With it being an away game for the Nets, Harden now had his partner Kyrie to play with. In the game, Harden would put on an all-round show encasing both scoring and playmaking for the Nets.
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But there would come a moment, where Harden’s shot would get blocked by Phoenix’s center, leaving the crowd with ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs.’
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McGee almost hits his head on the rim while blocking Harden
Despite Harden having a solid game, there would come a moment in the game’s 3rd quarter where Harden would drive into the paint with Cameron Johnson on his left shoulder. Following this, Harden would notice JaVale McGee in the paint and would go for a floater over the big man, only to be shot down by a massive block.
To make the block, McGee jumped so high that he almost hits his head on the rim! Talk about defensive intensity. It’s these small plays that contribute to a team’s success. Despite Harden scoring 22 points and dishing out 10 assists, the Suns would eventually take the game.
This win for the Suns means that they still hold first place in the West with a 41-9 record. On the other hand, the loss for the Nets means they slip to a 29-21 record, but still, hold on to 6th place in the East.
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Harden stands strong for the Nets
As stated earlier, James Harden has been the quiet superstar for the Nets. His consistency has allowed him to provide for his team in both the scoring and playmaking departments. However, the absence of Durant and the irregular game schedule for Irving has only increased Harden’s load.

USA Today via Reuters
Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) celebrates scoring against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless, Nets fans still believe in their team and in the ability of their big-three to lift the title. And maybe Harden’s load will allow him to unleash god-like performances to propel the Nets forward.
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READ MORE: Chris Paul and James Harden: Why Did the Duo That Scared the Warriors Super Team Seperate?
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