Brooklyn Nets talisman James Harden is not concerned regarding the dip in his free throw attempts because of the new NBA rules. Harden stated that he tries to play Basketball and also keeps contact with the officials. The 32-year old said he also keeps an eye on the other matches and notices how they are officiated.
Harden was averaging double-digit free-throw attempts for six straight seasons between 2014 and 2020, but the 32-year-old is making only 4.8 free-throw attempts this season, after the change in rules.
In fact, Harden could only go to the charity stripe on a single occasion in the team’s win against Atlanta Hawks by 117-108. Harden scored 16 points and scored 1-1 free throw.
When Harden was asked whether his mindset has changed since new NBA rules regarding unnatural shooting fouls, he said, “I don’t really think about it. I just try to play basketball. That’s everybody else who makes big deals out of it… I don’t really focus on how the game is officiated. Each game is different. For me, I feel constant communication with the officials in seeing with their view is and telling them what my view is, and telling them what I see, constant communication. I watch other games and games are officiated in other ways. That is out of my control, out of my hands. I go out there and just play and hoop.”
On the other hand, Harden recorded 11 assists and thus scored a double-double for the team.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant was the real game-changer for Brooklyn Nets as he scored 32 points and scored seven rebounds and five rebounds. Thus, the veteran played a key role in helping Nets win their third consecutive match of the season. The Nets now hold a 5-3 record in the regular season and they will look to continue the good show.
The Nets will next face Detroit Pistons on Friday.
