Reviving their gritty play style from years past, the Brooklyn Nets knocked off two tough opponents this week even without Kevin Durant (and later Kyrie Irving).
When the news broke detailing Kevin Durant’s upcoming absence from play due to a COVID-19 exposure, most expected the Nets to fall down a rabbit hole, especially after the team dropped back to back games against the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks.
Although fans acknowledged the likely reality awaiting them with Durant sidelined, Brooklyn’s uninspiring play at the time still left most expecting to see at least some improvement on the team’s behalf during their upcoming contests. After blowing out the Utah Jazz and then knocking off the formerly 7-1 Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets gave their fans a late, but greatly appreciated, final Christmas gift.
Against Utah, Kyrie Irving set the tone early, making every single shot he put up during the first quarter, tallying 18 points during the period. The Nets entered the second quarter with a 35-15 lead and never looked back, eventually winning 130-96. Thanks to a pregame meal featuring Alfredo sauce, Jarrett Allen also put together a career night, bullying Rudy Gobert while putting up 18 points, 19 rebounds, and two blocked shots.
But with Irving absent due to “personal reasons” for team’s next contest against a Philadelphia squad riding a five-game win streak, the odds grew even taller against Brooklyn. While paying homage though to their New Jersey roots with some flashy threads, the Nets dismantled the 76ers, winning 122-109.
Joe Harris shined brightest, scoring 28 points and hitting 6-of-9 shots from deep. Caris LeVert stepped up as well, coming close to a triple double with 22 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Contributions from role players like Taurean Prince and Jeff Green also came at the perfect time, with the two wing players combining for 27 points. A collectively sound defensive effort by the Nets helped relieve some headaches from the team’s prior games as well, with the Nets limiting Philly superstars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons to 11-of-27 shooting.
Things certainly appear to be moving well now within the Brooklyn basketball machine, which convincingly passed both these difficult tests. With this acknowledged, here are some takeaways following the two upset victories.