The Nets’ trip to Sacramento was seemingly a perfect opportunity to end their own losing streak against a slumping team that had dropped seven consecutive games.
Instead, the Kings pulled off an upset victory by double-digits as James Harden turned in his worst performance of the season and Kyrie Irving was limited to just 14 points.
Steve Nash said after the game that he thought Harden was tired and not playing like himself, but his stat line was ghastly. Harden finished the game with four points on 2-of-11 shooting, went 0-5 from beyond the arc, and didn’t take a single free throw.
Harden still managed 12 assists and seven rebounds, but he also had a game-high six turnovers and was -21 on the night.
NBA Twitter wasn’t exactly kind after the Nets’ losing streak hit six games:
“We just got a lot of different things internally, lineups, we haven’t had no continuity yet so ….
Have they hit a breaking point with all the setbacks?
“I dunno, I’ve never had a six game losing streak, I do know that.”
-James Harden was frustrated after loss to the Kings. pic.twitter.com/z9tGgvaQTq
— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) February 3, 2022
James Harden seemed to rule out a players-only meeting. “We’ve done enough talking.”
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) February 3, 2022
Steve Nash: “I thought James [Harden] looked tired tonight. He didn’t have his legs. It was one of those nights.”
— Chris Milholen (@CMilholenSB) February 3, 2022
If the 76ers’ offer for James Harden is on the table before the trade deadline, the Nets should at least listen.
Ben Simmons and Seth Curry would be an acceptable return, considering what James Harden has given you this year.
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) February 3, 2022
I wonder if James Harden will feel like playing defense in the playoffs
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) February 3, 2022
We’re in the fourth quarter and James Harden has… *checks notes*…
2 points
1-for-8 shooting
6 turnoversNets losing to the Kings. Yikes. pic.twitter.com/z1KH0yPCyr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 3, 2022
James Harden says “there’s no concern” to be had with the Nets:
“It’s all a process. Obviously we’re going through a tough stretch where we’re losing. Hopefully just finish this into the break and hopefully after the break we can potentially get our full roster” pic.twitter.com/sgMHmTz1jx
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) February 3, 2022
Someone on the Nets needs to challenge James Harden right now.
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) February 3, 2022
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