Nets received some help from Rockets ahead of matchup with Bucks

Turns out the Nets may have gotten some helpful advice from the Rockets — who feature Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rival, James Harden.

The James Harden vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo rivalry may be the most interesting feud today’s NBA has to offer.

Now, it’s not on the level of Michael Jordan vs. Isiah Thomas or Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird, but there’s clearly some contention between the two NBA superstars.

In fact, after Harden’s Rockets knocked off Antetokounmpo’s Bucks 120-116 on Sunday, the Houston guard refused to talk about the Milwaukee forward when asked about how difficult it was to defend the reigning MVP during their latest battle.

Instead of breaking things down or taking a victory lap, Harden kept his response simple, only stating, “Next question”:

And it turns out that rivalry may have carried over into the Bucks’ matchup against the Nets on Tuesday — which Brooklyn won 119-116.

Garrett Temple told reporters on a Zoom call after Tuesday’s win that his team ran into the Rockets at the pool on Monday, per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic. Apparently, Houston offered some advice on how to defeat the Bucks.

​Whatever the Rockets said clearly didn’t hurt Brooklyn’s cause, given the result.