#James Harden’s vintage performance powers Nets past Clippers

This looked like last season’s James Harden. Like prime Houston Rockets MVP James Harden. 

That was bad news for the Clippers. And it bodes well for Brooklyn, who cruised to a 124-108 laugher before 17,128 at Crypto.com Arena. 

The Nets couldn’t have gotten a better holiday present than Harden getting on this kind of a roll. After a 15-day layoff — first due to rest, then being stuck in health and safety protocols — Harden has been stellar since his Christmas Day comeback. He backed up a 36-point triple-double against the Lakers with Monday’s encore. 

Harden had 39 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds, getting to the rim at will and looking explosive. To a man, the East-leading Nets (23-9) all said the two week layoff did the star some good.

“Probably. I was starting to feel good right before then…That break, Covid, or protocol, or rest, whatever you want to call it, it could’ve went two ways. I just locked in on my body, my eating, and when I was able to start working out, my workouts,” said Harden, adding “I felt good. My body felt good.

“I’m trying to make sure my body feels great so I can continue to keep going up in the regular season and preparing for the playoffs. Individually I have to make sure I’m in the best shape and I’m the best James form that I can be for my teammates. If I’m that form, good things will happen for my team.”

And he looked great, blowing by defenders and manipulating the defense. He shot 15-of-25, and orchestrated a Nets offense that hit .568 percent.

“You’re expecting guys to feel their way back into it. But from the jump against the Lakers, again [vs. the Clippers], he’s just been clinical,” said Steve Nash. “Just such a great head of the snake for us. When he plays like that we’re very difficult to beat.” 

While the Clippers were missing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Brooklyn was without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But they had Harden, who joined some august company with this elite performance.

Harden became just the 10th player in league history with 20,000 points, 6,000 assists and 5,000 boards. The first nine are a Who’s Who in or bound for Springfield: Kobe Bryant, Clyde Drexler, John Havlicek, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Gary Payton, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Russell Westbrook. 

“He’s historically great. The numbers he’s put up are incredible. He’s one of the best players of his generation and it’s mind-boggling to think of all the numbers he’s put up and all the success he’s had,” said Nash. “He’s one of those very, very special players not only of his generation but historically. The numbers back it up.”

And Monday, Harden and his Nets were merciless in punishing a Clippers (17-17) team that was coming off a back-to-back and reeling from the Christmas Day news of George’s torn elbow ligament. 

The Nets trailed early 23-16, but an 11-0 run gave them a lead they never surrendered.

Brooklyn showed defensive energy behind Nic Claxton (18 points, three blocks), DeAndre’ Bembry and Bruce Brown. They blocked eight shots and held the Clippers to .381 shooting.

Patty Mills (18 points) dove on the floor for a loose ball, got it to Harden for a bounce pass to Bembry. The fast break dunk made it 60-48 with 3:52 left in the half, and it just grew.

The highlight reel was Mills going behind the back to Harden, who threw a perfect lob to Claxton for a 92-73 edge. It reached 100-78 on Griffin’s layup with 2:21 left in the third, and it never got below double digits thanks to Harden.

“I definitely think the break benefited him,” said Claxton. “He was putting on a show. Hopefully he can just continue this when we get everybody back. It’s gonna be scary hours, for real.”