Mike James: I try to take pressure off the big three as much as possible

James Harden’s injury in game 1 of the series between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks gave Mike James the chance to help the team, and the former CSKA Moscow and Olympia point guard was ready.

James contributed with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and +12 of plus/minus in 30 minutes.

“(Coach Steve Nash) wants me to be free…I think he wants me to push the pace, which is fun, I get a lot of freedom to be creative and get downhill and get passes out and take my shots when I’m open and available. So I think having a coach like that honestly helps out a lot, just knowing that he trusts you and to have some freedom”

“Obviously just working on your game every day, which is something I like to do, you get better over time,” said James. “I don’t know how much better I’ve gotten in the last month, but just in the system, being able to contribute, trying to do the little things, because we have three of the best players in the world, so obviously little things matter when you’re on a team like this, especially for me. So just trying to be a ball mover, trying to push pace, trying to get other guys open shots if I can and try to take pressure off the big three as much as possible.”