Nets’ dynamic duo went nuclear in James Harden’s debut

Kevin Durant and James Harden went off in Harden’s first game with the Brooklyn Nets.

When the Brooklyn Nets pulled off a four-team blockbuster trade for James Harden, there were understandable concerns — not only about their egos and personalities clashing, but also how a team with Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would be able to share the ball.

One game in, it looks like Harden and KD still remember how to play together well enough.

Although Irving was missing in Saturday’s game, the two former Oklahoma City Thunder teammates went off against the Orlando Magic in Harden’s debut. Durant finished with a game-high 42 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds on 16-of-26 shooting, while the Beard notched a 32-point, 14-assist, 12-rebound triple-double on 8-of-18 shooting. He also chipped in 4 steals.

James Harden made history in his first game with KD and the Nets

Harden not only set a franchise debut record in assists with 14, but he also became the first player in NBA history to record a 30-point triple-double in his first game with a new team.

Furthermore, the 70 points KD and Harden tallied were the most they had ever combined for in a single game.

This has to be exciting for Nets fans, who watched their team surrender a hefty package of future first-round picks and pick swaps in addition to Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen. While that treasure trove of draft capital may come back to haunt them down the road, it won’t matter if this Brooklyn team wins a title.

Harden and KD picking up right where they left off chemistry-wise is a great sign, even if they don’t have Irving factored into the on-court equation just yet. Only time will tell if the good vibes last (this was only the Magic, after all), but for now, this was a tantalizing debut that reminded people how good Harden really is.