Brooklyn Nets' James Harden, Kyrie Irving combine for 26 points in 'breakthrough' 4th quarter vs. Spurs

SAN ANTONIO — Fresh off dominating the third quarter, James Harden engaged in a constructive confrontation with his backcourt mate Kyrie Irving on the Brooklyn Nets' bench.

«James kind of yelled at me,» Irving said. «It's not a negative yell, but he yelled at me, 'Kai, get the f-ing ball!' in the third quarter after he scored [12 points] in the quarter. I kind of took that personal. I just wanted to come out in the third quarter in an aggressive mindset and just play within the flow of the offense.»

Irving, who was scoreless in the third quarter, responded to his co-star's challenge by scoring 15 of his 24 points in the fourth as the Nets cruised to a 117-102 win Friday night over the San Antonio Spurs. Harden had 11 points in the final quarter, as the Nets' superstar guards were only two points shy of matching the Spurs' scoring total in the frame.

It was only the fifth game that Harden and Irving have played together this season, as Irving, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, has missed most of the season due to New York City ordinances and the Nets opting against using him on a part-time basis until recently. This performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, was their best as a duo so far this season.

«For sure, it was a breakthrough,» said Harden, who finished with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. «He's capable of doing that at any moment and any point in the game.

»That's one of the reasons why we need him every single game, because he's able to do that, especially with everything that's going on with our team. But he's able and more than capable of doing things like that whenever he wants. I think he just tries to get us involved a little bit more, but he's a special talent."

The Nets are now 18-4 over