Houston Rockets superstar James Harden followed up a 59-point performance in Wednesday’s win at Washington with 19 points and four assists in just the first half Friday at Brooklyn.
But it was his crossover of Nets All-Star guard Kyrie Irving that really got Barclays Center and NBA Twitter buzzing. Harden blew by Irving with the move, which forced a help defender to commit to Harden’s drive — resulting in an easy alleyoop dunk for Clint Capela.
Harden’s backcourt mate, Russell Westbrook, could be seen on the left wing celebrating the move immediately after it happened.
The Rockets were much sharper in the early going Friday after struggling at the outset of their last three games. Though the Rockets beat all three of their most recent opponents (Pelicans, Thunder, Wizards), they were tied or trailing at the half in all three contests.
By contrast, with Harden’s crossover perhaps serving a catalyst, the Rockets finished the first quarter on an 18-1 run to take a 33-24 lead.
