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Brooklyn Nets: 5 major takeaways from the preseason

By Collin Helwig

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball against Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards as DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets look on during the first half at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball against Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards as DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jeff Green #8 of the Brooklyn Nets look on during the first half at Barclays Center on December 13, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Here’s what we can gather from the Brooklyn Nets’ preseason.

When things tipped off at the Barclays Center at 6:07 PM last Sunday, NBA basketball made its triumphant return after 63-day hiatus, concluding the league’s shortest offseason ever. But while some of the more weathered bubble participants might argue otherwise, that time period did not feel as brief as our calendars might suggest, with basketball fans showing no decline in their thirst for another season.

The game also brought an end to a 532-day period of Kevin Durant’s absence due to an Achilles injury. Fans couldn’t be more excited to see the full roster finally in action. It’s going to be a thrill.

The team’s preseason is now over after games against the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics, and it was sure great to see Durant and Kyrie Irving on the floor at the same time.

We can’t judge the Nets after two meaningless games, but there are a lot of reasons to remain optimistic about this team’s championship aspirations for the upcoming season. Let’s get into it.

Nets
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

5. Kevin Durant is Himself Once Again

Kevin Durant is back, Nets fans.

As expected, the world paid close attention to how Durant moved around the court, especially during the team’s first game against Washington. Needless to say, he made it clear that if any worries pertaining to his health still existed, they were surely unnecessar. After quick ball fake, Durant glided through the paint and to the rim for a two-handed slam dunk just 45 seconds into the game.

https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1338261443293171715?s=20

Things only got better. Durant tallied 11 points in the first quarter, finishing with 15 alongside three assists, three rebounds, and two blocks. He looked even more promising during his next game at the TD Garden, logging 25 points, three blocks, and six rebounds, all in 27 minutes of play.

Forget the stats, though. The way he moved up and down the hardwood, welcomed contact, and demonstrated positive body language really stood out and announced his return. Running, jumping, and cutting with ease, Durant not only illustrated his physical health’s renewal, but also that the injury left behind no mental scars or limitations.

At no point did Durant seem like anything other that the absolute monster we know him as, bringing a swift and conclusive ending to the “he might not return the same” narrative. Give credit to his trainers, doctors, and of course, Durant himself, for this restoration. Grab your scythes and hoods, because the slim reaper is back.