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Nets performance when resting Kevin Durant proves roster shock is needed

By Jordanna Clark

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 7: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 7, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. The Nets won 102-99. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 7: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on December 7, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. The Nets won 102-99. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets didn’t fare well without Kevin Durant on Wednesday night. Durant taking the night off to rest was crucial, but it was painfully clear that Brooklyn is a completely different team in his absence. If Kyrie Irving doesn’t return shortly, the Nets need to adjust their roster in a big way before the Feb. 10 trade deadline.

In what was expected to be a big game for James Harden back in the Toyota Center against his former team, Brooklyn fell short, 114-104. Entering the contest, the Rockets were on a six-game win streak that’s now been pushed to seven. That’s no excuse, though, because with the win Houston improved to 8-16. The Rockets are now 8-18, which is the fourth-worst record in the NBA.

It made sense that Steve Nash decided to rest LaMarcus Aldridge as well. It was the second half of a back-to-back, and the Nets don’t need to overload guys who have already had a ton on their plate in the early going.

However, Brooklyn needs to find a way to work out its offensive struggles for the games that KD sits out. Whether Sean Marks orchestrates a trade or Harden finally elevates his game, something’s going to have to change.

The Brooklyn Nets can’t continue to only largely rely on Kevin Durant.

After Tuesday’s 102-99 win over the Mavericks, Durant was asked about the number of minutes that he’s been playing in his 14th year in the NBA. He’s currently averaging 36.2 minutes per game, the most since he was with Oklahoma City in 2013-14.

Nash said that Durant wanted to play in Wednesday’s game, but that it was an opportunity for him to take a breather during a “tough stretch.” We’re glad that he did, but the result wasn’t what we hoped for. And it only revealed further concern.

The Nets shot 39.3% from the floor, including a 4-of-16 shooting performance from Harden. That 25% showing from the field is a season-worst for him, and that’s saying a lot considering the struggles he’s been working through during the team’s first 26 games of the season.

Harden’s an elite player, just like KD. He hasn’t been able to break out of the slump that he’s in, but the game against Houston was a chance for Brooklyn to cater the offense to Harden so that he could erupt. That didn’t happen. Wasn’t even close.

In case Marks hadn’t yet realized that the Nets need to make a trade, that should be clear to him now. There are already a few big names on the market, like Caris LeVert and Myles Turner. As the deadline creeps closer, more players will no doubt become available as teams realize their fate.

The Nets could’ve used fourth-quarter KD against the Rockets, but since the end goal is making it to mid-June, resting him was necessary. At least we saw it against the Hawks and grabbed the quality win on Friday.