In excellent form lately, Kevin Durant faced Paolo Banchero and his clique in a rather exciting duel on the side of Brooklyn. Unfortunately for the Magic? There was nothing to do against an inhuman KD, who developed his full arsenal in the victory of his family (109-102).
Kyrie Irving said so in a post-match press conference.
When you have someone so talented and gifted by your side, it’s hard not to stop playing to watch them score. Everyone was in Irving pumps on Monday night, seeing Kevin Durant present every possible move imaginable from a five-star scorer. Creation for himself and for others, at a distance as well as half-distance, and all that with a smile? You had to see this amused face, from KD defended by Kevon Harris, to understand the natural insolence released by the Nets winger. A smiling Durant, almost laughing at the poor defenders sent to him, imposing his game and scoring with the fault without giving his opponent the slightest chance.
Zero chance for his opponent was the definition of his performance tonight.
45 points at 19/24 shooting, with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals?
We may appreciate the improvisations of Bol Bol and the return of Paolo on the floors, but this Monday evening there was a daron who gave the lesson to his children.
???? @KDTrey5 was on a different planet tonight ????
45 PTS (19/24) | 7 REB | 5 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/i8XqvnPGps
— NBA (@NBA) November 29, 2022
It’s also nice to see KD having fun on the field, with his teammates, focused on the game rather than on the non-sporting bullshit that has enlivened the daily life of the Nets far too often recently. For a real hooper like Durant, getting back to basics has to be something therapeutic for him. Where are the transfer rumours? To oblivion, and when we see him playing at such a level we can only wonder in which universe the management of Brooklyn could exchange such a talent.
The Nets, casually, are on 5 wins in 7 games. And their dating streak at home has only just begun.
After the Blazers and the Magic, it is the Wizards who will come to town before the reception of the Raptors, the shock against the Celtics, then Charlotte and Atlanta to finish. Very nice posters, all affordable for Nic Claxton and his boys, who are keen to find the elite of the Eastern Conference by Christmas. And as long as KD continues to send crap like that, if Brooklyn lines up the wins there, there’s a three-letter conversation Kevin will be back in soon…
With 36 then 31 then 45 points in his last 3 games, Kevin Durant is in top form. And in addition, he allows himself to spoof his opponents. Let the Nets take advantage of it, because as we have seen recently the clouds can quickly return above Barclays.