NEW YORK — Brooklyn NetsStar forward Kevin DurantHe has been so dominant that he now feels “at home” on the ground.
It didn’t look hard on Sunday. 110-107Win over the New York KnicksDurant scored 53 points, had 9 assists, and took 6 rebounds to help the Nets win their third straight game.
Durant stated, “It makes you feel at ease knowing that your skill set can have an impact on so many plays and different areas.” “I can influence my teammates and their approach to the game with my skill sets about the big picture. I know that I work hard on my game, but at this stage in my career, it’s like, “All right, how can i impact everyone out there?” How can I influence the game plan of other coaches?
“So I feel like my level is higher than everyone else on the floor. It’s a nice feeling to have.”
Durant’s outstanding performance served as another reminder that the Nets, at 35-33, still have aspirations of winning the championship, despite the fact they are currently in the midst of a losing season. Kyrie IrvingThe status of the patient remains uncertain due to New York City’s mandatory vaccination. Ben SimmonsDue to ongoing back issues, Will will make his season debut.
Irving was hot during and after Sunday’s game. Irving was able to enter Barclays Center, for the first-time in the season. But he was only a fan. Irving, along with some friends, made his way to the courtside seats.
Irving was greeted with cheers as he made his way to his seats. A few fans began chanting his name, “Free Kyrie!” In a season filled with many moments, it was an odd scene for a Nets team that hopes that Eric Adams, New York City Mayor will lift the city’s mandate to allow Irving to return full-time. Durant repeatedly called out Adams by name after the game, while discussing the situation.
Durant stated, “It’s absurd.” It’s a mystery to me. There are a few unvaxxed people in our arena, right? They lifted all of this in our arena, right! So I don’t get it … I don’t get it. It’s almost as if someone is trying to make an announcement or show off their authority. Everybody out here wants attention, and I believe that the mayor is seeking attention right now. But he will soon figure it all out. He should.
“But it just didn’t make any sense. This building already has unvaccinated people. A man can enter the building. Are they afraid for our safety? I don’t get it. All of us are confused. Almost everyone in the world is confused. Initially, people didn’t get it. But now it looks ridiculous. Eric, it is possible to understand this.
Irving was shown on a video board during the match and received light applause. He pointed at his heart to express appreciation. Coach Steve Nash stated that Irving had joined the Nets at halftime, and listened to them as they prepared for the second half. Nash stated that Irving was able to be on the floor, in the locker room and with his teammates but could not sit down on the bench. He didn’t fully understand the city’s rules.
“It doesn’t really affect us,” Nash stated about coaching Irving while he sat in a courtside chair. We are used to dealing with such things. We tried to keep focused and win the game. Although we are aware of the oddities, we remain focused on the task at hand.
Irving waited at the far side of the floor for Durant to hug him after Durant had finished his post-game interview with Malika Andrews from ESPN. They hugged and made their way to the other side of the floor. Durant then launched into Adams during his postgame comments.
“I was at the free-throw line, I think. When he came in, me and Drum were there.” [Andre Drummond]We looked at each other, and Durant said, “Yo! This is unbelievable!” Durant said. “I’ve never seen anything like it before. We both smiled. We just smiled. It is hoped that it will be figured out.
Eric, you have to find a solution, man. It’s getting crazy. He can watch the game on national television, but he cannot play. Hey, yo, Eric.”