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03/01 22:13 CST Harden's triple-double helps Nets escape in OT against Spurs
Harden's triple-double helps Nets escape in OT against Spurs
By RAUL DOMINGUEZ
Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO (AP) --- James Harden had 30 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds and
the Brooklyn Nets overcame a collapse in the final seconds of regulation to
beat the Spurs 124-113 in overtime on Monday night, snapping a 17-game losing
streak in San Antonio.
Kyrie Irving added 27 points and Bruce Brown had 23 for Brooklyn, which bounced
back after a loss to Dallas on Saturday ended its eight-game win streak.
The Spurs closed the fourth quarter on a 10-0 run to force overtime, with
3-pointers by Lonnie Walker IV and Patty Mills and a driving layup by DeMar
DeRozan.
Dejounte Murray then tied the game at 108 to close regulation after initially
losing the ball near the 3-point line while attempting to drive to the paint.
Murray was able to gather the loose ball behind him, quickly turning and rising
to hit a 21-footer with Harden defending as time expired.
Brooklyn scored the first eight points of overtime to regain command and went
on to win a regular-season game in San Antonio for the first time since Jan.
22, 2002.
DeRozan had 22 points and 11 assists, while Murray and Walker each had 19
points. All five starters scored in double figures for San Antonio.
Playing just their second game since being sidelined for two weeks by health
and safety protocols due to COVID-19, the Spurs got off to a sluggish start
against the active Nets.
San Antonio is still without Rudy Gay, Keldon Johnson, Derrick White, Devin
Vassell and Quinndary Weatherspoon, who are sidelined due to the league's
health and safety protocols.
The Nets were not at full strength either, with All-Star Kevin Durant missing
his eighth straight game with a left hamstring strain.
But Brooklyn still has Harden and the former Houston Rockets guard continued to
torment San Antonio.
The Nets had 17 assists on their first 20 baskets, with Harden assisting on 10.
Brooklyn finished with 35 assists while shooting 47 for 100 from the field.
Nic Claxton added 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting for the Nets.
TIP-INS
Nets: Durant has not played since scoring 20 points in 33 minutes against
Golden State on Feb. 13. ... Irving and Harden held up tip-off momentarily to
greet and speak to Popovich. Irving first spoke to the veteran Spurs coach and
then Harden joined in as the trio enjoyed some laughter during a brief
conversation.
Spurs: The Spurs announced fans can return to the AT&T Center beginning March
12 against Orlando. Attendance had been limited to family members and staff
previously. Seating will be limited to 3,200 fans initially. ... Murray
collected his 700th career assist in his 215th game with the Spurs. In
franchise history, only Tony Parker, Johnny Moore, Andre Robertson, Johnny
Dawkins and Willie Anderson have more assists in that span.
UP NEXT
Nets: Play at Houston on Monday.
Spurs: Host the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
