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As the Nets threw the longest winning streak in the NBA, James Harden hit a chair.
Nineteen turnovers on Saturday led to 32 points for the Mavericks and made the Nets look as sloppy with basketball as they sometimes did before Harden arrived via trade. Only this time, Harden was mostly at fault, with six turnovers a game-high as he tried to feed his teammates other than the injured trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Tyler Johnson.
“I played the same way,” said Harden. “I made exit passes to Bruce [Brown] that I [normally] get, they were deflected. Dribble for the basket, throw the ball out of bounds – I did it. I wasn’t trying to do more than usual. I have played my game and sometimes you have bad games. “
Harden described his turnover as “careless” examples of “attempting to thread the needle”. During a second half, Harden, who scored just four of his 29 points after halftime, rose from his seat and knocked an empty chair on the floor with his fist.
“We had reckless turnovers that led to layups,” said coach Steve Nash. “It hurts. We only lose four at halftime and we gave them 20 turnover points. It crushed us.
Spurs commit the fewest turnovers per game (11.1) in the league. So there won’t be any additional possessions in Monday’s game for the Nets (14.6) to make up for those donated.
“[The Mavericks] were aggressive on defense – skipping passing lanes – and made us accelerate a bit and forced us to return the ball, ”said forward Jeff Green. “In order for us to win, especially when we have guys out there, we have to do better. We have to take care of the ball. We need to make sure we get a good photo every time. “
Irving (right shoulder support) was not in Sunday’s injury report. Green (contusion to his right shoulder) did not play the last 15 minutes against the Mavericks and is listed as questionable against the Spurs. He missed a game last week. Johnson (migraine) is considered likely to come back. Guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (right knee pain) started on Saturday but was added to the injury report as questionable.
Forward Tyler Cook has played 14 minutes in both games since signing a 10-day deep contract. He’ll go up the ladder if the Nets are careful with Green.
“Especially on the defensive end and the rebound,” said Cook, “I can be of immediate service for this group.”
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