Ice Cube is just as pissed as you are that there hasn’t been a “Friday” sequel in nearly 20 years, and he’s blaming Warner Bros for blocking the franchise.
Cube just fired a shot at WB on Twitter, claiming the media giant is refusing to hand him the reins on the “Friday” franchise to make more sequels, and thus hijacking the “happiness of the culture.”
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ … Ice Cube has been really pissed off with how he’s been treated by Warner Bros through the years, and the dispute over more sequels is just the tip of the iceberg — no pun intended.
Our sources say WB owns the rights to the ‘Friday’ franchise, and the studio doesn’t seem interested in making any more sequels at the moment. The OG “Friday” was released in 1995, followed by 2000’s “Next Friday” and 2002’s “Friday After Next.”
We’re told Cube is pissed because Warner Bros is refusing to release the rights to him so he can produce sequels somewhere else … and our sources say Cube feels like the ‘Friday’ franchise is his art, and if WB doesn’t want to make more movies they should give him the rights so he can.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones and Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry are targets for the NFL franchise-tag designation entering the 2021 season.
Prior to NFL free agency starting March 17, each of the 32 teams must evaluate whether they will place a franchise tag on veteran players to keep them off the open market.
The franchise tag is a labor designation that restricts a player’s potential movement in exchange for a high one-year salary. Each team can put the franchise tag on one pending free agent, a decision that is pricey but also provides leverage against losing a player, ensuring the team a large return if that player ultimately departs the club.
The franchise tag window begins Tuesday, and teams have until March 9 at 4 p.m. ET to place the tag on their most valuable player.
Different challenges will happen this year for both sides because the tags will pay less because of the lowered salary cap, which has a cap floor of $180 million. (The tag is calculated by taking the average of the top five players’ cap percentage at the position for the 2020 season or 120% of the player’s previous year salary — whichever is greater.)
We asked our NFL Nation reporters to identify the players most likely to get tagged and make their predictions on what will happen over the next two weeks. By our count, 21 teams are contemplating using the franchise tag:
Jump to: ATL | BUF | BAL | CAR CIN | CHI | DAL | DEN DET | GNB | HOU | LAC JAX | NE | NOR | NYG | NYJ SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Keanu Neal, safety
After missing nearly all of the 2018 and 2019 seasons because of injuries, Neal bounced back with 100 tackles and an interception in 2020 while playing on the fifth-year option. Neal thrived in his first two years, too, so he’s definitely an impact player when healthy. There might be a question of whether he fits into the new scheme, and that could be the reason the Falcons don’t tag him, but having a consistent player in the secondary is not something to take for granted.
Prediction: Neal is a good, young safety and can be a key part of the defense, so the Falcons tag him. — Michael DiRocco
Matt Milano, linebacker
It’s not a very likely scenario, but there is a world in which the Bills apply the franchise tag on Milano if they’re unable to come to a long-term agreement. He is Buffalo’s most valuable free agent — and thus its most difficult to sign, likely commanding north of $13 million per year in an ordinary offseason. Bills general manager Brandon Beane gave Milano his blessing to seek the biggest payday elsewhere, making the franchise tag a reach; you just never know in this league, but don’t hold your breath in this situation.
Prediction: The Bills won’t use the franchise tag on Milano. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Matthew Judon or Yannick Ngakoue, outside linebackers
It’s prohibitive for the Ravens to use the tag on either Judon or Ngakoue because it would take up nearly all of Baltimore’s salary-cap space to do so, and you can make the argument that there isn’t value to putting the tag on either of them. Judon totaled six sacks last season, and Ngakoue didn’t seem to be a great fit. But the Ravens have to at least consider it. Without the tag, Judon and Ngakoue are likely getting more lucrative deals elsewhere. Given the cap restraints, the Ravens can address outside linebacker by re-signing Tyus Bowser and selecting a pass-rusher early in this year’s draft.
Prediction: The Ravens won’t use the tag this year, marking the fourth time in five years Baltimore won’t tag a player. — Jamison Hensley
Taylor Moton, right tackle
Locking down 2017 second-round pick Moton for the upcoming season is a must for a Carolina team that has one starting offensive lineman (center Matt Paradis) under contract. Moton allowed three sacks last season and hasn’t missed a start the past three seasons. If a long-term deal can’t be reached, the Panthers would use the tag on him, which would cost an estimated $13.6 million. Releasing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short gives the team cap room to make sure Moton doesn’t get away.
Prediction: The Panthers will use the franchise tag on Moton if a long-term deal cannot be worked out before the new league year begins. — David Newton
Carl Lawson, defensive end
Lawson finished his rookie deal as the Bengals’ most disruptive pass-rusher. However, he tallied 5.5 sacks, which could prevent the Bengals from paying the franchise tag worth an estimated $17.8 million, per Over The Cap. But Lawson is more disruptive than the raw numbers indicate. He created 10.5 sacks (via an ESPN metric powered by NFL Next Gen Stats), good for seventh in the league last season. As of now, it seems unlikely the Bengals use the tag on Lawson. That being said, don’t be shocked if Lawson commands a high salary on the open market.
Prediction: The Bengals won’t use the franchise tag on Lawson. — Ben Baby
Allen Robinson II, wide receiver
The Bears’ offense without Robinson, 27, looks pretty grim, which makes tagging the wide receiver, who caught 120 passes for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns last season, a strong possibility. Chicago is also prioritizing finding the quarterback who would be throwing Robinson passes and ultimately could determine whether the receiver would want to sign a long-term deal if tagged. The cost of tagging Robinson is $16.4 million. The Bears are already in a tight predicament with the salary cap, so they’ll need to create space by restructuring contracts or releasing expensive veterans (e.g. Jimmy Graham). It’s also wise not to rule out a tag-and-trade scenario for Robinson depending on how things play out for Chicago in free agency.
Prediction: The Bears will use the franchise tag on Robinson. — Courtney Cronin
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Rob Ninkovich and Ryan Clark make the case for the Bears pursuing Deshaun Watson.
Dak Prescott, quarterback
Without a long-term deal by March 9, the Cowboys will tag Prescott for the second straight year and it will cost $37.7 million against the cap. It would also set in motion the likelihood that 2021 could be Prescott’s final season in Dallas. These talks are entering their third offseason, so maybe the two sides will be able to find a compromise. Is Prescott worth it? The Cowboys went 4-7 without him in 2020, and the offense scored one touchdown in the first three games Dallas played after he suffered his ankle injury.
Prediction: The Cowboys will use the franchise tag on Prescott. — Todd Archer
Justin Simmons, safety
The Broncos keep saying they want to work something out with Simmons, and Simmons has said he would like to stay. But both sides also say it all has to come together on their side of the negotiating table, too. Ultimately, a long-term deal makes the most sense, and it likely would not help matters toward a long-term deal if the team used the franchise tag on the safety for the second consecutive year. Simmons is really the only player among the Broncos’ potential unrestricted free agents worth discussing when it comes to the tag, and it would be a potential short-term solution — again.
Prediction: The Broncos will use the franchise tag on Simmons only to give them more time to get a long-term deal done. — Jeff Legwold
Kenny Golladay, wide receiver
The Lions have a decision to make with their Pro Bowl wide receiver who missed 11 games last season because of hamstring and hip injuries. Golladay, 27, appeared to be a candidate for a long-term deal under the previous regime, but that never materialized. Now that the Lions are in a rebuild under a new head coach/general manager combo in Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, the franchise must decide whether to sign Golladay to a long-term extension, tag him, tag him with the potential intent to trade him or let him walk. Detroit, which needs wide receivers desperately, could do any of those things considering its multiyear plan to return to competitiveness.
Prediction: The Lions will use the franchise tag on Golladay. — Michael Rothstein
Aaron Jones, running back
The Packers weren’t willing to guarantee a significant portion of the contract they offered Jones during the season, but they would clearly like him back. Tagging him might be their best option, securing his services for one more season at around $11 million. But there are two things to consider: the difficulty of fitting that tag under the salary cap and Jones’ potential unwillingness to play for the tag.
Prediction: The Packers won’t use the franchise tag on Jones. — Rob Demovsky
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Booger McFarland doesn’t see the Packers moving on from Aaron Rodgers anytime soon.
Will Fuller V, wide receiver
In 2020, Fuller was well on his way to proving he could stay healthy and be a No. 1 wide receiver before he was suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Even after Fuller was suspended, quarterback Deshaun Watson said he wanted the receiver back in 2021. Could the Texans tag Fuller to try to make Watson change his mind about wanting a trade? Maybe. Houston saved $17.5 million by releasing J.J. Watt and have other players they could release or contracts they can restructure to make the $16.4 million franchise tag work.
Prediction: The Texans won’t use the franchise tag on Fuller. — Sarah Barshop
Hunter Henry, tight end
Henry, 26, was franchised last season because of injury concerns. He played in all but the last two games of this season after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. If the Chargers franchise tag him for a second straight year, his 2021 salary will be $12.7 million. The 6-foot-5 tight end had a standout season with 60 receptions, 613 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The Chargers need a reliable target for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Prediction: The Chargers will use the franchise tag on Henry. — Shelley Smith
Cam Robinson, left tackle
Robinson hasn’t progressed significantly from his rookie season (2017). His best season was 2019 when he ranked 57th among tackles in pass block win rate, per ESPN Stats & Information research, and he ranked 59th in 2020. The franchise tag, which is estimated to be around $13.2 million, looks like a better option than signing Robinson to a long-term deal. Take one more year to see if and how much he improves. The Jaguars have the most salary-cap space available (approximately $74 million), so they definitely could afford Trent Williams, who might get $18 million to $20 million annually. Coach Urban Meyer recently said he likes the offensive line, so that might be an indication the Jaguars are willing to stick with Robinson at least one more year.
Prediction: Robinson hasn’t made enough progress to warrant the franchise tag. The Jaguars won’t tag him. — Michael DiRocco
Joe Thuney, left guard
This seems highly unlikely, but because Thuney was tagged last year, he at least falls into the category of possibilities this year. It would be a 120% increase from his $14.7 million tag in 2020, and it’s hard to believe the Patriots would want to eat up $17.737 million in cap space with other pressing needs. The sides had all of 2019 and up to July 2020 to reach an extension, and there seemed to be little momentum to do so.
Prediction: The Patriots won’t use the franchise tag on Thuney. — Mike Reiss
Marcus Williams, safety
The Saints have severe salary-cap restraints on them this year, so it’s unlikely they will use the franchise tag on anyone. But safety is the most affordable position in the league when it comes to the franchise tag ($11.4 million last year). It’s not out of the question the Saints would consider using it to secure one of their most important young defensive playmakers. The free safety has been a starter ever since he was drafted in the second round in 2017 and arguably had his best season in 2020. Williams has 14 career interceptions, including the playoffs.
Prediction: The Saints won’t use the franchise tag on Williams. — Mike Triplett
Leonard Williams, defensive lineman
This would be more as a short-term placeholder than anything else. This isn’t the year to put a $19.4 million cap charge on the books. The Giants franchised Williams last year, and now it would be 120% of that $16.1 million salary for 2021. The goal is to sign Williams to a long-term deal. But the franchise tag could buy the two sides some more time, if necessary. Williams is going to get paid. He was worth $16 million off a half-sack season. What’s he worth now off a career-best 11.5 sacks? A lot.
Prediction: Williams signs a long-term deal with the Giants before the franchise tag deadline at just under $20 million per season. — Jordan Raanan
Marcus Maye, safety
The projected tag amount at safety ($11.2 million) isn’t ridiculous, so the Jets could utilize the tag for the first time since 2016 (Muhammad Wilkerson). The goal is to sign Maye, who was voted by teammates as the Jets’ MVP in 2020, to a long-term contract. The tag would buy more time if they can’t get it done by March 9. A year ago, general manager Joe Douglas admittedly miscalculated the market and lost wide receiver Robby Anderson in free agency. He doesn’t want that to happen with Maye, who is likely to land a deal that pays him in the neighborhood of $10 million to $12 million per year.
Prediction: The Jets and Maye will reach a long-term agreement, avoiding New York from having to use the franchise tag. — Rich Cimini
Shaquill Griffin, cornerback
Griffin likely wants to be paid like a top-five cornerback, which might be too steep for the Seahawks as they look to extend Jamal Adams on what could be a record contract for a safety. That would bring the tag into play at an estimated cost of $15.266 million, per Over The Cap. If the Seahawks aren’t confident they can get a deal done with Griffin and anticipate a strong market for the 25-year-old Pro Bowler, they’d have to consider tagging and trading him like they did two years ago with Frank Clark.
Prediction: The Seahawks won’t use the franchise tag on Griffin. — Brady Henderson
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Mina Kimes reacts to Russell Wilson’s frustrations that he is getting hit too much.
Chris Godwin, wide receiver
There’s no way the Bucs will allow Godwin to leave if at all possible. But if they can’t work out a long-term deal, Godwin will be their top franchise tag candidate and it would cost Tampa Bay roughly $16.5 million. Sure, they could franchise tag outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett again instead, but it would cost them 120% more than what they tagged him with last year, which would be roughly $19 million this year — not exactly cap friendly when the team has a projected $30 million in space available for 2021.
Prediction: The Buccaneers will use the franchise tag on Godwin with the hopes of making a long-term extension happen. — Jenna Laine
Jonnu Smith, tight end
The Titans are well aware of Smith’s value as a pass-catcher, especially in the red zone where he hauled in eight touchdowns last season. Smith has become a preferred target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. There was a dip in Smith’s involvement once left tackle Taylor Lewan was placed on injured reserve in November. The Titans utilized Smith’s blocking ability to help Lewan’s backups. The franchise tag will cost $10.2 million, but it will give Tennessee time to negotiate a long-term deal with Smith, who is only 25 years old.
Prediction: The Titans will place the franchise tag on Smith and work on a long-term deal to keep him in Tennessee for a while. — Turron Davenport
Washington Football Team
Brandon Scherff, right guard
Coach Ron Rivera has said he wants to build strong lines on both sides of the ball. Scherff was a first-team All-Pro last season — the first by any player here since 1996. He’s also a four-time Pro Bowler. Durability has been a concern as Scherff hasn’t played a full season since 2016 and his 13 games played this past season were his most since 2017. There’s no doubt about his impact when he plays, with his ability to win at the line and on the move. However, because of his stature, he would command around $15 million per year — the highest for a guard. Washington used the franchise tag on him last year at a cost of $15.03 million. If tagged again, he would receive a 20% bump, so there’s not much incentive on his end to get a deal done knowing he could make $18 million on a one-year deal.
Prediction: Washington will use the franchise tag on Scherff, but it will be with the idea of continuing to negotiate and, ultimately, reach a deal. It might just take a while to get there. — John Keim
A number of Black alums of Bachelor Nation shows have spoken out after host Chris Harrison said he was ‘stepping aside for a period of time’ after making headlines for his controversial reaction to a contestant’s racism scandal.
DeMario Jackson from season 13 and Jubilee Sharpe from season 20 were among the reality stars who spoke with TMZ, saying that Harrison’s vacation from the show should be a permanent one.
‘I don’t really think he should be allowed to return but it’s not up to me,’ Jackson said. ‘My season was one of the most visible Black seasons as far as the representation by African American males and women.’
The latest: A number of Black alums of Bachelor Nation shows have spoken out after host Chris Harrison said he was ‘stepping aside for a period of time’ after making headlines for his controversial reaction to a contestant’s racism scandal
He continued: ‘It just sucked because, yeah, we had each other but there was nobody we could really relate to because it was an all-white production, all-white cast, all-white show … which is great, but it’s 2021 now.
‘If they do want to have move forward and have a more Black fan base I would say it all starts within. Like do you really want to have black fans or do you want to put a Band-Aid over a bullet wound?’
Sharpe said that the show’s producers seemed to be more attentive to white contestants in her time on the show.
Marshana Ritchie from season 12 and Leslie Hughes from season 17 told the outlet that Harrison should brush up on Black history and undergo sensitivity training to get back his spot on the network show. The Bachelorette season 10 star Marquel Martin and The Bachelor’s Robyn Jedkins told TMZ Harrison should get back his job, but has to refocus on understanding Black issues prior to commenting further.
Views: DeMario Jackson from season 13 and Jubilee Sharpe from season 20 were among the reality stars who spoke with TMZ, saying that Harrison’s vacation from the show should be a permanent one
Jackson said of Harrison, ‘I don’t really think he should be allowed to return but it’s not up to me’
The controversy came after Harrison, speaking with Extra’s Rachel Lindsay (formerly of The Bachelorette), suggested ‘a little understanding’ toward contestant Rachael Kirkconnell as they discussed her attendance at a 2018 bash – described as ‘antebellum plantation themed ball’ – in images that showed up on Reddit.
In the segment, Harrison initially called for ‘a little understanding’ toward Kirkconnell, when Lindsay said that the scandal was ‘not a good look’ for the contestant.
Harrison responded, ‘Is it [not] a good look in 2018? Or is it not a good look in 2021? Because there’s a big difference.’
Details: The controversy came after Harrison, speaking with Extra’s Rachel Lindsay (formerly of The Bachelorette), suggested ‘a little understanding’ toward a contestant who attended a 2018 bash – described as ‘antebellum plantation themed ball’
In the segment, Harrison initially called for ‘a little understanding’ toward Kirkconnell, when Lindsay said that the scandal was ‘not a good look’ for the contestant
Harrison on Saturday took to social media with a contrite message, saying that ‘by excusing historical racism, [he] defended it’
He continued, ‘The woke police is out there. And this poor girl Rachael, who has just been thrown to the lions, I don’t know how you are equipped when you have never done this before, to be woke enough, to be eloquent enough, to be ready to handle this.’
Harrison on Saturday took to social media with a contrite message, saying that ‘by excusing historical racism, [he] defended it.
‘To the Black community, to the BIPOC community: I am so sorry. My words were harmful,’ the Texas native said. ‘I am listening, and I truly apologize for my ignorance and any pain it caused you … to that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special.’
Gina Carano’s fans are fighting for her to return to the “Star Wars” TV series, “The Mandalorian.”
The actress and former MMA fighter was recently fired from her role on the hit science fiction show over comments she made on social media. The move marked the latest in a slew of calls for Disney, whose streaming service Disney+ plays home to “The Mandalorian,” to fire Carano after she drew criticism for multiple posts on social media, including one in which she compared today’s political divide to the events in Nazi Germany.
A new Change.org petition started by fans calling for Lucasfilm and Disney to give Carano her part on the show back and to keep politics out of their artistic decisions going forward.
“I’m not going to say she was right or wrong with her views, but firing celebrities over their political views has been happening way too often, and once again, Hollywood has struck down another conservative,” the petition’s author writes. “What she said may have been a little extreme, and I can even see why some people may have been offended, but her tweet was not made to incite violence or to express discrimination or hatred of any sort to any particular group.”
‘THE MANDALORIAN’ FANS CALL ON DISNEY TO FIRE GINA CARANO AFTER TWEET MOCKING DEMOCRATS, MASKS
The description continues: “And now, once again, a beloved actress has been fired for speaking her mind. This petition is for the executives at Disney. Please, why can’t you just leave politics out of the industry and press on? ‘The Mandalorian’ is a fantastic show, and Gina Carano’s portrayal of Cara Dune is a joy to watch. The Mandalorian wouldn’t be the same without her.”
Gina Carano is teaming with The Daily Wire on a new movie project. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
As of this writing, the petition has more than 4,000 of the 5,000 signatures it seeks.
Carano played Cara Dune in seven episodes of “The Mandalorian” across its first two seasons in 2019 and 2020. She was rumored to be the center of the upcoming “Mandalorian” spin-off “Rangers of the New Republic” at Disney+, but Disney has not announced casting for the show.
Despite calls to reinstate her, Carano has already moved on from “The Mandalorian.” According to Deadline, the actress is hitting back at Disney and cancel culture by partnering with Ben Shapiro’s The Daily Wire on a new movie project.
VINCE VAUGHN, ADAM SANDLER AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD CONSERVATIVES
“The Daily Wire is helping make one of my dreams — to develop and produce my own film — come true,” the star told the outlet in a statement. “I cried out and my prayer was answered. I am sending out a direct message of hope to everyone living in fear of cancellation by the totalitarian mob. I have only just begun using my voice which is now freer than ever before, and I hope it inspires others to do the same. They can’t cancel us if we don’t let them.”
Gina Carano was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm over comments she made on social media. (Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)
Representatives for Carano did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.
While details about the project are being kept under wraps for now, the upcoming film will be released exclusively to The Daily Wire’s members in an effort to bolster its growing entertainment division.
‘MANDALORIAN’ STAR GINA CARANO SPEAKS OUT ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH OVER CONSERVATIVE, ANTI-MASK TWEETS
“We could not be more excited to be working with Gina Carano, an incredible talent dumped by Disney and Lucasfilm for offending the authoritarian Hollywood Left. This is what Daily Wire exists to do: provide an alternative not just for consumers, but for creators who refuse to bow to the mob,” Shapiro said in a statement to Deadline.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “We’re eager to bring Gina’s talent to Americans who love her, and we’re just as eager to show Hollywood that if they want to keep cancelling those who think differently, they’ll just be helping us build the Xwing to take down their Death Star,” he continued.
Fred VanVleet set a Toronto Raptors franchise record and a record for undrafted players by scoring 54 points in Toronto’s 123-108 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
“It was just time. … It’s just time,” VanVleet told SportstNet in Toronto. “I’ve been missing a lot of open ones this season, more than I usually do, but it was time. Sometimes you get in that groove and you find that zone, and tonight I was able to do that and my teammates did an unbelievable job finding me and screening for me and getting me the ball in my spots. A lot of them were just catch-and-shoots.”
VanVleet set both records with a layup with 3:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, a bucket that simultaneously passed DeMar DeRozan’s Raptors record of 52 points as well as Hall of Famer Moses Malone’s record of 53 points for an undrafted player. VanVleet scored nearly half of Toronto’s points in a comfortable win.
VanVleet started quickly by scoring 17 points in the first quarter, hitting all five of his 3-point attempts. By halftime he reached 28 points, hitting eight 3-pointers. He surpassed his previous career high of 36 points midway through the third quarter, reaching 46 and 11 made 3-pointers after three quarters.
VanVleet was unable to chase down either Donyell Marshall’s single-game franchise record of 12 3-pointers made or Klay Thompson’s NBA record of 14. When he returned in the fourth quarter, he made two free throws after being fouled on a drive and then made three uncontested layups to reach his record-setting total.
He said that he expected to hear from DeRozan, his former teammate, whom he said he was thinking of as he got close to the record.
“It was only a matter of time,” VanVleet said, with a smile, of besting DeRozan’s mark. “Every time I get a 30, I usually get a text from DeMar saying I’m weak for not passing his record. So I definitely had him in mind as I got close down the stretch.”
DeRozan took to Twitter shortly after the game to congratulate VanVleet, writing in part, “Glad you did champ! Been telling you!”
VanVleet finished 17-for-23 from the field, including 11-for-14 on 3-pointers, and 9-for-9 from the free throw line. He also had 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks in 37 minutes for Toronto, which swept a two-game set with Orlando.
Now in his fifth season, VanVleet previously set a different kind of record for an undrafted player this offseason when he signed a four-year, $85 million contract to remain with the Raptors, who signed him out of Wichita State in 2016. The contract was the biggest for an undrafted player in NBA history.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Even with the NBA’s second-leading scorer sitting out, the Brooklyn Nets matched a franchise record Friday for the most points in a regulation game, dropping 147 on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 22-point win.
“We’re getting there. … We’re slowly inching forward on both ends of the floor,” coach Steve Nash said. “We struggled defensively at times, but we’re getting more solid with our game plan defensively. Offensively, you’re starting to see a little more flow. You’re seeing James [Harden] able to manage the game like that and manipulate the defense.”
By quarter, the Nets scored 36, 40, 39 and 32, building an early lead and consistently scoring throughout the game. They shot 57% from the field, hit 19 3-pointers and had 33 team assists.
With Kevin Durant sitting as part of a resting plan as he continues to work back from his Achilles injury, Kyrie Irving and Harden took the reins, combining for 50 points — 25 apiece.
“We’re catching a rhythm, obviously, offensively,” Harden said. “But defensively as well. We’re learning our strengths and our weakness and things we can get better at.”
The Nets’ offensive explosion has been steadily building, with 10 of their past 11 games featuring at least 110 points. But they’ve also been, to put it kindly, mediocre on the defensive end. The Thunder, who entered the game last in offensive efficiency, still put up 125 points while shooting 46.5% from the floor.
“There’s a familiarity growing, on both ends of the floor. [But] we’ve got a long way to go defensively,” Nash said. “It’s not our forte or strong suit, but we’ve got to be clean with our game plan and talking and participating in our actions.”
Harden and Irving spent various parts of the game orchestrating solo as Nash staggered their minutes. But there were also long stretches in which they played off one another, with Harden doing his usual isolation drive-and-kick thing, while Irving flashed his finishing ability in the paint.
“I’m always gonna say I won’t take any day for granted. This doesn’t happen often in history where you have this group together at this point,” Irving said. “Some of the guys were starters on their respective teams last year; some of the guys are MVP candidates. And to have all of that collective talent and not get the most of it, we’d be doing ourselves a disservice. So we just want to continue to push each other and hold each other accountable.”
Harden credited the overall communication improving among the group, with assignments, coverages and adjustments being called out clearly throughout the game. Irving and Harden were at the front of the scoring, but there was impressive balance to the game as well, with nine players total finishing in double figures.
“It’s very satisfying anytime you get a win, but anytime the whole team plays well and you do some great things as a collective group, it definitely stands out of the rest,” Irving said.
The Nets have won four straight and are 6-2 since making the trade for Harden. There have been some rough spots at times, with Harden going extended stretches less involved in the offense, or Irving’s efficiency dipping, but the chemistry has been building, Nash said, and is something he only expects to improve.
“Offensively, I think guys are getting a feel and a rhythm for one another, how guys like to play, where they like the ball, how they like to move, cut and play off each other,” he said.
Harden said the Nets are maintaining an eye on the process, noting that it’s only going to get harder as the season progresses. As the games get bigger and the season gets smaller, there will be more of a spotlight on the Nets’ chemistry and how they execute.
“We’re gonna be challenged every night; we’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” Irving said, “but what we’re doing now is just finding the continuity to utilize the strengths we have.”
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