NBA News: Nets Coach Praises James Harden's Willingness To Sacrifice

The Brooklyn Nets shocked the NBA after they pulled off a blockbuster four-team trade to land James Harden from the Houston Rockets in January.

The immediate focus was on the 2018 MVP’s ability to settle into a team that already possessed two superstars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, especially after being the cornerstone of the Rockets for many years.

Nets head coach Steve Nash has given a low down on Harden’s transition from being the league's scoring champion to sacrificing his numbers to ensure the team is at its efficient best.

“Largely, it’s been great,” Nash said, as per USA Today’s Mark Medina. “He’s an incredible player. I know we see his scoring and playmaking ability. But his intelligence is special and defensively as well. He sees it. He reads it. He has an understanding on that end of the floor as well.”

“He’s also in a position where he’s grateful for the opportunity and wants to win. He’s willing to sacrifice so his leadership has been great.”

“As he plays himself to shape, his production has been amazing. I think he was Conference Player of the Week this week. So, he’s been incredible to add to our group, and we’re fortunate to have him,” the former player added.

Harden has made an immediate impact with the Nets and is averaging 24.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 12 assists while playing 40.3 minutes per outing.

The shooting guard’s brilliant form has evidently shown in the Net's 7-3 run, with the team currently occupying the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference behind the Philadelphia 76ers.

The former Rockets cager seemed to consolidate Nash’s comments after the Brooklyn franchise beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 124-120, on Tuesday--with Harden moving into eighth place all-time after notching up his 50th triple-double.

Harden dismissed the achievement and made it clear that numbers on the stat are mere icing on the cake.

“It’s not about points for me. It’s not about stats for me. It’s about getting a win. I think since I’ve been here, I’ve tried to do whatever it takes in order for us to have a win. That’s all that matters,” Harden told reporters, as per Michael Scotto.