A lack of continuity has hurt Brooklyn, whether from injuries or player availability. This could be a huge hinderance come playoff time.
James Harden has been the steadiest member of the Nets’ Big 3 this season, but a gametime decision Saturday left him on the sidelines for a marquee inter-conference matchup with the Warriors. The 110-106 loss left Brooklyn sitting fifth in the East, tied with the 76ers at 29-19.
Downgraded from questionable to out roughly 45 minutes before tip, Harden missed his seventh game of the season and second in a row (after sitting out Wednesday vs. Denver with hamstring tightness).
Update to the Status Report for tonight’s game at Golden State:
Harden (right hand strain) – OUT
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 30, 2022
The 32-year-old guard, struggling with his shot — firing at a 42.0% clip; it’s Harden’s worst since his rookie year in 2009-10 — is averaging 23.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 10.1 assists through 41 games.
In the second half, center LaMarcus Aldridge exited with an ankle sprain and was later seen leaving the arena on crutches. But he seemed to downplay the injury to reporters, telling ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, “It’s just an ankle sprain. I will be all right.”
“It’s just an ankle sprain. I will be all right. I just can’t walk on it right now,” Aldridge said while using crutches. https://t.co/pLtVB4S3Aw
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 30, 2022
