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Harden becomes 1st player to post 30-point triple-double in team debut

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

James Harden put forth a tremendous performance in his Brooklyn Nets debut Saturday, becoming the first player in NBA history to record a 30-point triple-double in his first game with a team.

The three-time scoring champion tallied 32 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds in 40 minutes of work to help the Nets secure a 122-115 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Harden is only the seventh player to manage a triple-double in a team debut, and he set a Nets franchise record for assists in a debut.

Triple-double in team debut

Player Team Date
Oscar Robertson Cincinnati Royals Oct. 19 1960
Nate Thurmond Chicago Bulls Oct. 18 1974
John Shumate Buffalo Braves Feb. 7 1976
Lewis Lloyd Houston Rockets Oct. 29 1983
Elfrid Payton New Orleans Pelicans Oct. 17 2018
Russell Westbrook Washington Wizards Dec. 23 2020
James Harden Brooklyn Nets Jan. 16 2021

The 31-year-old didn't have a chance to practice with Brooklyn before Saturday's tilt, but he looked increasingly comfortable alongside his new teammates as the game went along.

"When you're playing with really, really good players, it's pretty easy (to build chemistry)," he said postgame. "For me, I just gotta learn reads, learn where guys like the ball, just learn our personnel individually. Once I get that, the turnovers are cut down, and I'll be more efficient."

Harden fit seamlessly with former Oklahoma City Thunder running mate Kevin Durant. The two stars combined to score 70 points, their highest single-game total as teammates, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

Brooklyn played without its third star, Kyrie Irving, who missed his sixth straight game. The newest member of the Nets said he's looking forward to playing alongside the floor general.

"Once we're on the court together, it's going to be scary hours," Harden said, courtesy of ESPN's Malika Andrews.

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