Debutant Harden stars in Nets win over Magic

Kevin Durant and debutant, James Harden starred as the Brooklyn Nets claimed their third consecutive win with a 122-115 victory over the Orlando Magic. Durant scored a season-high 42 points to set a new franchise record of at least 25 points in nine straight matches. Harden, who joined from the Houston Rockets this week, added […]

Kevin Durant and debutant, James Harden starred as the Brooklyn Nets claimed their third consecutive win with a 122-115 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Durant scored a season-high 42 points to set a new franchise record of at least 25 points in nine straight matches.

Harden, who joined from the Houston Rockets this week, added a 32-point triple-double in his first appearance.

However, Kyrie Irving was missing for a sixth game for personal reasons.

Irving was fined $50,000 (£37,000) by the NBA on Friday after attending a crowded indoor party without wearing a mask.

Harden moved to the Nets from Houston as part of an initial three-team deal involving the Cleveland Cavaliers.

That became a four-team deal on Saturday when further moves involving the Indiana Pacers were officially announced.

Nets guard Caris LeVert – originally announced by the Nets as moving to Houston – has now joined the Pacers, who have sent two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo to Houston.

However, Indiana says LeVert will be sidelined indefinitely after a small mass was found on his left kidney during a medical examination. The outfit said their new signing will have further tests.

Elsewhere, DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points as the San Antonio Spurs secured a 103-91 home win over the Houston Rockets.