NBA: Brooklyn Nets' Harden revels in historic triple-double
James Harden became the first Brooklyn Nets player to have a 15-plus point, 15-plus assist and 15-plus rebound game in Monday's win over the New York Knicks.
The Brooklyn Nets' James Harden revelled in his history-making triple-double as his star-studded team continued its hots streak in the NBA on Monday.
Nets claim fifth straight win as Harden sets franchise record
Harden posted a triple-double of 21 points, 15 assists and 15 rebounds to fuel the in-form Nets to their fifth consecutive victory – a 117-112 win over rivals the New York Knicks on Monday.
Former MVP Harden became the first Nets player in franchise history to have a 15-plus point, 15-plus assist and 15-plus rebound game.
Nets superstar Harden is averaging 25.0 points, 11.1 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game this season.
"Whatever it takes" - Harden on latest triple-double
After the Nets (27-13) recorded their 13th win in 14 games, Harden was asked about triple-doubles and he told reporters: "Whatever it takes. Like rebounding, I try to go help it, especially when we're small.
"I know I have to go rebound the basketball a little bit more. I know I have to put my body on bigs a little bit more because I'm not athletic enough or big enough to be able to jump with them. I've got to use my body just being crafty around that rim as far as rebounding.
"And then playmaking, it's just getting my team-mates shots and getting our bigs easy opportunities at the rim. Offensively, I'm not being as efficient as I want to be, but that's come and that's the least of my worries, the least of my concerns.
"I'm just excited and happy to continue this journey with these guys. We're playing some pretty good basketball right now."
Irving picks up 34 points for on-fire Nets
Nets team-mate Kyrie Irving had a game-high 34 points as Brooklyn won the Battle of the Boroughs against the Knicks.
"As a kid, obviously New Jersey versus New York, that was a big thing," Irving added. "Whether the Knicks were at Continental Airlines Arena, or New Jersey was at MSG, now that Brooklyn versus New York, kind of the whole entire area, a lot of people I see on Instagram and Twitter, media outlets, just New York, New York versus this whole big thing.
"But I think as players we feel it naturally. But obviously, being from here, it's a little bit of have a different sentiment, because I got to go home and actually be around Knicks and Nets fans. It's my family. So it's basketball, it's competition. It's a world sport. So it's just nothing but respect. But obviously you want to come out here and just have fun going against New York Knicks. They've been playing well season so well, Coach, team, and just appreciate the opportunity."